Flood Alert Info - Wear estuary
Area Description
Wear estuary from Lamb Bridge at Chester-le-street to the North Sea coast.
This is a Flood Alert Area. For this area the highest level of flood notification that you will receive is a Flood Alert. No Flood Warnings or Severe Flood Warnings are issued for this area.
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There are no Flood Alerts currently in force for this area. See below for historical flood warnings.
Area Covered by this Flood Alert
The orange highlighted area on the map below outlines the area covered by this Flood Alert.
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Flood Alert History
Number of historic Flood Alerts that have previously been recorded for this area:
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Historical Flood Alerts for this Area
Flood Alert issued on 1 Oct 2024 18:28
River Wear
Strong onshore winds and large waves may lead to wave overtopping and spray around the high tide between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM on 02/10/2024.
Areas most at risk include riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
We are closely monitoring the situation.
Stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 02/10/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 1 Oct 2024 09:02
River Wear
Strong onshore winds and large waves may lead to wave overtopping and spray around the high tide between 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM on 01/10/2024.
Areas most at risk include riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
Further flooding is possible for the following high tide on Wednesday morning between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM on 02/10/2024 due to strong winds.
We are closely monitoring the situation.
Stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 6:30 PM on 01/10/2024.
Flood Alert issued on 30 Sep 2024 16:38
River Wear
Strong winds and large waves may lead to wave overtopping and spray around the high tide between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM on 01/10/2024.
Areas most at risk include riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
Further flooding is possible for the following 2 high tides on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning (02/10/2024) due to strong winds.
We are closely monitoring the situation.
Stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 3:00PM ON 01/10/2024.
Flood Alert issued on 25 Sep 2024 16:44
River Wear
High tides, strong winds and large waves may lead to flooding tomorrow morning.
Tides will be at their highest from 8:00 AM to 13:00 PM tomorrow, 26/09/2024, with wave overtopping during these times.
Waves are forecast to overtop coastal defences at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. The area most affected will be Port of Sunderland Harbour.
After the high tide tomorrow morning‚ the weather is more settled and no flooding is expected.
We are closely monitoring the situation.
Be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 13:00 PM on 26/09/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 22 Aug 2024 15:24
River Wear
High tides are expected due to a combination of high spring tides and a storm surge following Storm Lilian moving across the North East. Strong winds may cause large waves along the Wear Estuary tomorrow morning, 23/08/2024. Tides will be at their highest between 05:15AM and 07:15AM, 23/08/2024 with wave overtopping possible during these times. The areas most likely to be affected are Sunderland Marine Walk Outer, Sunderland North Estuary Footpath, Sunderland East Nobles Quay and Fatfield to Queen Alexander Bridge.
This alert is in force for this evenings tide (Thursday 22/08/2024), but the biggest flood risk impacts will be on the Friday morning tide (23/08/2024). Please remain vigilant for any potential flood warnings.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 11:00AM on 23/08/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 8 Apr 2024 11:50
River Wear
Water levels on the Wear Estuary this afternoon, 08/04/2024, will be higher than normal due to high tides.
Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads between 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM on 08/04/2024. Areas most affected will be Sunderland North Estuary and Sunderland East Nobles Quay.
We are expecting higher than normal tides over the next 3 days and as a result we may issue further alerts or warnings.
We will continue to monitor levels closely.
Please be careful along riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 7:00 PM on 08/04/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 11 Mar 2024 10:50
River Wear
High tides and strong winds may cause large waves and spray overtopping on the coast today, 11/03/2024. Tides will be at their highest between 4:00PM and 5:15PM on 11/03/2024 with wave overtopping possible during these times.
Areas most likely to be affected are the Port of Sunderland Harbour.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 7:00PM on 11/03/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 10 Mar 2024 18:50
River Wear
High tides and strong winds may cause large waves and spray overtopping on the coast in the early hours of tomorrow morning, 11/03/2024. Tides will be at their highest between 3:15AM and 6:45AM on 11/03/2024 with wave overtopping possible during these times.
Areas most likely to be affected are the Port of Sunderland Harbour and Sunderland Marine Walk outer.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 11/03/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 10 Mar 2024 10:54
River Wear
High tides and strong winds may cause large waves and spray overtopping on the coast this afternoon, 10/03/2024. Tides will be at their highest between 2:00PM and 6:30PM today, 10/03/2024 with wave overtopping possible during these times. Areas most likely to be affected are the Port of Sunderland Harbour and Sunderland Marine Walk outer.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 7:00PM on 10/03/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Mar 2024 17:13
River Wear
High tides may cause large waves and spray overtopping on the coast tomorrow morning, 10/03/2024. Tides will be at their highest between 02:30AM and 06:30AM tomorrow, 10/03/2024 with wave overtopping possible during these times. Areas most likely to be affected are the Port of Sunderland Harbour and surrounding areas, including riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 10/03/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Mar 2024 09:29
River Wear
High tides may cause large waves and spray overtopping on the coast this afternoon, 09/03/2024.
Tides will be at their highest between 13:30 and 17:30 today, 09/03/2024 with wave overtopping possible during these times. Areas most likely to be affected are the Port of Sunderland Harbour and surrounding areas, including riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 10/03/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2024 08:17
River Wear
Friday afternoon's tide at 3:00 PM is higher than normal due to strong winds and spring tides. Large waves and spray overtopping is expected on the coast. Areas most at risk include beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads. No property flooding is expected.
We are expecting higher than normal tides over the next few days and as a result we may issue further alerts/warnings. We will continue to monitor levels closely.
Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 6:00 PM on 09/02/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 8 Feb 2024 15:54
River Wear
Friday morning's tide at 2:45 AM is higher than normal due to strong winds and spring tides. Large waves and spray overtopping is expected on the coast. Areas most at risk include beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads. No property flooding is expected.
We are expecting higher than normal tides over the next few days and as a result we may issue further alerts/warnings. We will continue to monitor levels closely.
Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 10:30 AM on 09/02/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 13 Dec 2023 11:54
River Wear
This Flood Alert has been issued due to strong winds causing large onshore waves along the coast in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Wednesday 13th December. The area most likely to be affected is the Port of Sunderland.
Between 13:00 PM and 19:00 PM on 13/12/2023 waves are forecast to overtop coastal defences at beaches and spray will affect promenades, coastal footpaths and low lying roads.
No property flooding is expected.
We will continue to monitor the forecast.
This message will be updated by 20:00 PM, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 12 Dec 2023 18:23
River Wear
This Flood Alert has been issued due to strong winds causing large onshore waves along the coast in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Wednesday 13th December. The area most likely to be affected is the Port of Sunderland.
Between 00:00 AM and 06:00 AM on 13/12/2023 waves are forecast to overtop coastal defences at beaches and spray will affect promenades, coastal footpaths and low lying roads.
No property flooding is expected.
We will continue to monitor the forecast.
This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 13/12/2023, or as the situation changes.
The strong winds may continue into tomorrow afternoon and this alert may be reissued for the high tide at 15:15 PM tomorrow.
Flood Alert issued on 27 Oct 2023 11:58
River Wear
Flooding is possible in this area.
Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.
Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Oct 2023 23:44
River Wear
This Flood Alert has been updated because some minor flooding to coastal roads and footpaths is likely throughout the morning on 21/10/2023 between 05:00 AM and 09:00 AM.
Areas most at risk include riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
Weather conditions are expected to produce large onshore waves.
After this tide‚ the weather is more settled and no further impacts are expected.
We will continue to monitor levels closely.
Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 21/10/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Oct 2023 07:28
River Wear
Flooding is possible in this area.
Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.
Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.
Flood Alert issued on 18 Oct 2023 06:28
River Wear
Flooding is possible in this area.
Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.
Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.
Flood Alert issued on 21 Apr 2023 05:13
River Wear
Flooding is possible in this area.
Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.
Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.
Flood Alert issued on 24 Feb 2023 13:50
River Wear
Strong winds and high spring tides are expected to cause large waves and spray overtopping along the coast this evening. Areas most at risk include Sunderland East Nobles Quay. Tides will be at their highest between 18:30 and 20:30 with high tide expected at 18:30 today, 24/02/2023. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal and riverside footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous. We are closely monitoring the situation. This message will be updated by 21:00 on 24/02/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 23 Dec 2022 03:14
River Wear
Flooding is possible in this area.
Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.
The Environment Agency Flood Warning System has issued this message based on rising river or tidal levels.
We are temporarily automating our messages due to industrial action.
Flood Alert issued on 21 Nov 2022 16:22
River Wear
As a result of high spring tides and strong winds, large waves and spray overtopping on the coast are expected between 02:00AM and 04:30AM on Tuesday, 22/11/2022.
Areas most at risk include low lying land, roads and footpaths. The area around the Port of Sunderland harbour is at particular risk.
We will continue to monitor levels and conditions closely.
Please avoid low lying land, roads and footpaths where high water levels, large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 22/11/2022, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Sep 2022 18:52
River Wear
Large and powerful waves are expected to overtop sea defences as a result of high spring tides. High tides are expected between 02:00am and 06:00am, 10/09/22, however strong waves are anticipated throughout the night with wave overtopping possible two hours either side of the high tide, 10/09/22. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. The area most likely to be affected is the Port of Sunderland Harbour. We are closely monitoring the situation and there may be a need to reissue the alert for the following tides over the weekend. We don’t currently forecast the need to issue flood warnings. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous. This message will be updated by 10:00am tomorrow, 10/09/22, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Sep 2022 12:11
River Wear
Large and powerful waves are expected to overtop sea defences as a result of high spring tides. High tides are expected between 13:30 and 17:00 today, 09/09/22 however strong waves are anticipated throughout day with wave overtopping possible throughout this afternoon, 09/09/22. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. The area most likely to be affected is the Port of Sunderland Harbour.
We are closely monitoring the situation and there may be a need to reissue the alert for the following tides over the weekend. We don’t currently forecast the need to issue flood warnings.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.
This message will be updated by 19:00 today, 09/09/22, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 7 Dec 2021 21:05
River Wear
This flood alert remains in force. Large and powerful waves are still possible due to strong winds of Storm Barra which is passing over the region. The risk of flooding and hazardous conditions at beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths remains but will ease through the night into the morning of Wednesday 8th Dec. Areas most at risk are Sunderland Marine Walk Outer and Port of Sunderland Harbour.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and liaising with emergency services. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 9:00 on 08/12/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 7 Dec 2021 12:59
River Wear
Large and powerful waves are expected to overtop sea defences as a result of Storm Barra. Consequently, flooding is possible for the duration of the strong winds, between 15:30 and 19:30 on Tuesday, 07/12/21. Areas most at risk are beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads, especially at Sunderland Marine Walk Outer and Port of Sunderland Harbour. High winds and coastal conditions are expected to continue throughout the day and afternoon, and will start to ease during Tuesday evening, 07/12/21.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and liaising with emergency services.
Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
This message will be updated by 20:00 on 07/12/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 13 Feb 2020 12:06
River Wear
High Spring tides together with strong winds mean high tides are forecast to affect coastal areas today, Thursday (13/02/2020).
Tides will be at their highest between 17:00 and 21:00 today, 13/02/2020. Flooding is possible at coastal footpaths and low lying land and roads, and these conditions may be experienced for two to four hours either side of the high tide. Flooding of properties is not forecast at this point.
The main area of concern is the Port of Sunderland.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near coastal locations, which may be flooded
This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 14/02/2020, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2020 21:02
River Wear
High spring tides together with strong winds associated with storm Ciara mean that large waves and sea spray are forecast to affect coastal areas.
Tides will be at their highest between 03:00 and 05:00 tomorrow morning (Monday 10th February).
The main areas of concern are Fatfield to Queen Alexandra Bridge.
Flooding to properties, roads and farmland is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. Areas most at risk are beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads.
Please be careful along the coast and stay away from large waves as they are dangerous.
We are closely monitoring the situation. This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 10/02/2020, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 14 Jan 2020 11:44
River Wear
A tidal surge and waves are expected to overtop sea defences on the Wear Estuary between 17:15 and 18:45 today, 14/01/2020. This is due to high spring tides and strong winds combined with low pressure in the North Sea. The main area of concern is Sunderland Marine Walk, East Nobles Quay, Port of Sunderland and Fatfield to Queen Alexander Bridge. Flooding to properties/roads and farmland is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast. We will continue to monitor the situation and reissue this Alert for any subsequent tides if required. For tide levels at Sunderland please see local tide tables or the GOV.UK website. This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 15/01/2020, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 13 Jan 2020 13:41
River Wear
Waves are forecast to overtop sea defences with sea spray expected on the Wear Estuary between 16:45 and 19:30 today, 13/01/2020. This is due to high spring tides and strong winds combined with low pressure in the North Sea. The main area of concern is Sunderland Marine Walk.
Flooding to properties/roads and farmland is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.
We will continue to monitor the situation and reissue this Alert for any subsequent tides if required. For tide levels at Sunderland please see local tide tables or the GOV.UK website.
This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 14/01/2020, or as the situation changes.