Flood Alert Info - Groundwater flooding in East Kent
Area Description
Areas at risk from Groundwater flooding including the Petham Bourne, Alkham bourne and Nailbourne including Elham, Barham, Bishopsbourne, Bridge, Patrixbourne and Bekesbourne.
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 17 May 2024 09:57
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent continue to show a slow but steady decline during May. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are still flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted.
Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. As of Friday 17 May, the forecast is for localised showers until Saturday evening with drier conditions following into next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures.
This message will be updated by 6pm on Friday 24 May 2024. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk for more information.
Flood Alert issued on 9 May 2024 16:57
Groundwater
Although, groundwater levels in East Kent have shown a slow but steady decline since mid-April, the Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are still flowing. At this point in time, localised flooding still continues to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also still be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. As of Thursday 9th May 2024, the forecast is for drier conditions followed by what could be showers next week.
We continue to monitor the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures.
This message will be updated by 6pm on Friday 17th May 2024. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk for more information.
Flood Alert issued on 2 May 2024 15:03
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have shown a slow but steady decline during April. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are still flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. As of Thursday 2 May, the forecast is for localised storms and showers over the weekend with drier conditions following by the middle of next week.
We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures.
This message will be updated by 6pm on Friday 10th May 2024. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk for more information.
Flood Alert issued on 26 Apr 2024 13:02
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain high but stable. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. The forecast is dry conditions today 26th April and will be wet at times this weekend.
We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Over the next month, sunnier conditions will likely result in a reduction in aquifer recharge, leading to a fall in groundwater levels.
This message will be updated by 6pm on Friday 3rd May 2024. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk for more information.
Flood Alert issued on 19 Apr 2024 15:53
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain high but stable. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. The forecast indicates that high pressure is building into next week, bringing drier conditions. Outbreaks of rain and showers are still possible at times. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Over the next few months, sunnier conditions will likely result in a reduction in aquifer recharge, leading to a fall in groundwater levels. This message will be updated by 6pm on Friday 26th April 2024. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk. for more information.
Flood Alert issued on 12 Apr 2024 09:35
Groundwater
A flood alert has been issued. Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high but are expected to remain at a stable level. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. As of today, Friday 12th April, the weather forecast indicates a dry weekend with the possibility of light rain early next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by Friday 19th April 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk. for more information.
Flood Alert issued on 4 Apr 2024 14:49
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high but are expected to remain at a stable level. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. As of today, Thursday 4th April, the weather forecast indicates further periods of rainfall over the next few days before becoming drier over the weekend and into next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by Friday 12th April 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 29 Mar 2024 09:00
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high but are expected to remain at a stable level. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further periods of unsettled weather are forecast over this weekend and into next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by Friday 5th April 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 21 Mar 2024 15:49
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high but are expected to remain at a stable level. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further periods of unsettled weather are forecast over this weekend and into next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by Friday 29th March 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 15 Mar 2024 07:14
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to continue to rise in response to additional rainfall. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further periods of wet weather are forecast from Saturday 16th March and into next week. This is likely to result in slightly higher groundwater levels and flows. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by Friday 22nd March 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 8 Mar 2024 17:20
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to continue to rise in response to further heavy rainfall. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further periods of wet weather are forecast from Sunday 10th March and into next week. This is likely to result in higher groundwater levels and flows. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by Friday 15th March 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 1 Mar 2024 10:03
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and continue to rise in response to further heavy rainfall during the last week of February. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further periods of wet weather are forecast from Friday 1 March and into next week. This is likely to result in higher groundwater levels and flows. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by 8 March 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 27 Feb 2024 20:12
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are rising significantly again in response to heavy rainfall at the beginning of the week. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding may still affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further periods of wet weather are forecast from Thursday 29 February and into next week. This is likely to result in higher groundwater levels and flows. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Groundwater levels are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. This message will be updated by 1 March 2024, or as the situation changes. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 23 Feb 2024 15:37
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to remain high in to Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding may still affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further unsettled wet weather is expected over the next week from Sunday 25 February onwards, which is likely to result in higher groundwater levels and flows locally. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by 1 March 2024, or as the situation changes. For more information go to www.gov.uk/government/publications/kent-groundwater-situation
Flood Alert issued on 16 Feb 2024 10:36
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to remain high in to Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding may still affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further showers are possible during the weekend but this is unlikely to result in further increased flow or water level. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by 23/02/2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2024 16:56
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flow in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth has increased slightly, following rainfall between 6th and 9th February. Localised flooding may still affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further showers are possible during the weekend but this is unlikely to result in further increased flow or water level. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Friday 16th February 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2024 16:02
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flow in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth has increased slightly, following rainfall between 6th and 9th February. Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Further showers are possible during the weekend but this is unlikely to result in further increased flow or water level. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Friday 16th February 2024. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 8 Feb 2024 17:15
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to remain high into Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flow in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth has reduced slightly, due to low rainfall since mid January. Localised flooding may still affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Heavy rainfall is currently forecast from the early hours of Thursday 8th February until Friday 9th February. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 15th February 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 2 Feb 2024 13:26
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain very high and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flow in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth is reducing slightly, due to low rainfall since mid January. Localised flooding may still affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. No further rainfall is currently forecast until Wednesday 7 February. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 8 February 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 25 Jan 2024 14:11
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have risen following recent higher than average rainfall and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flows in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth have increased over the past month. Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. The forecast is for more settled conditions into next week, with the exception of some light showers in the early morning of Friday 26 January 2024. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 1 February 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 18 Jan 2024 14:48
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have risen following recent higher than average rainfall and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flows in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth have increased over the past month. Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. The forecast is largely dry until Sunday 21st before potentially turning unsettled again next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 25 January 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 11 Jan 2024 15:30
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have risen following recent higher than average rainfall and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flows in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth have increased over the past month. Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. The forecast is dry for the next 5 days before potentially turning unsettled again next week. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 18 January 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 4 Jan 2024 17:01
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have risen following recent higher than average rainfall and are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Flows in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth have increased over the Christmas period. Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Heavy rain is forecast across Kent on Thursday 4th January. More settled conditions are expected over the weekend. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 11 January 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 28 Dec 2023 15:54
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent are rising as a result of recent higher than average rainfall. The Alkham Bourne is flowing, as is the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne. Flows in the Little Stour between Littlebourne and Stourmouth have increased gradually over the Christmas period. Localised flooding may affect low-lying land, roads and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. Groundwater and river levels are are expected to remain high until Spring 2024. The weather forecast in the run up to New Year’s Day remains unsettled with further rain at times. We continue to monitor the situation and are co-ordinating with local authorities and communities with deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by Thursday 4 January 2024, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 22 Dec 2023 16:02
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent are rising as a result of higher than average rainfall over the last three months. The Alkham Bourne is flowing, with large sections of upper and lower Nailbourne now also seeing flows. There are some flooding impacts being seen on low-lying land, roads and water infrastructure in and around the Elham Valley, Alkham, and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also experience impacts this winter. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water.
Groundwater and river levels are expected to remain high until the Spring in 2024 and they are likely to respond to further rainfall. The weather forecast is largely dry until Christmas Day when we may see some further rainfall and unsettled weather towards the New Year. We continue to monitor the situation and are co-ordinating efforts with the local authorities and communities around the deployment of temporary defences. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. This message will be updated by 28 December 2023, or as the situation changes. Search ‘Kent Groundwater Situation’ on gov.uk.
Flood Alert issued on 19 Dec 2023 17:49
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising due to the high amount of rainfall we had in October and November. In response to this groundwater level increase, communities in and around the Elham Valley (Nailbourne), Alkham and Petham may experience impacts from high groundwater. Due to the nature of groundwater levels, other communities across East Kent may also experience increased impact from high groundwater. The Environment Agency is continually monitoring the situation and we are co-ordinating efforts with local authorities and community leaders. Our incident response staff are attending weedscreens and culverts regularly to clear them.
We are issuing this message to allow our communities and partners to act as appropriate.
This event may continue for the foreseeable future and until the end of the recharge season, typically in Spring 2024. We will update this message as required, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.
To find out more information please visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/kent-groundwater-situation
Flood Alert issued on 9 Mar 2021 17:12
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent peaked at the end of February. Since then the groundwater levels have consistently reduced, however, the rate of reduction is very gradual and as a result groundwater levels will remain high for a number of weeks. The drier conditions over the past two weeks have helped to reduce the groundwater level as the overall flow was contained within the bournes in the area, particularly on the Nailbourne. The forecast is for wet weather for the rest of the week. This rainfall may cause groundwater levels to rise once again, however, we do not expect the rainfall to adversely affect the situation. Property flooding is not expected at this time. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the evolving situation and will update this message by Thursday the 11th of March 2021, or sooner should the situation change significantly.
Flood Alert issued on 2 Mar 2021 18:00
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent peaked last week and have now started to fall, however, the groundwater level will remain high for a number of weeks. The drier conditions over the past few weeks has resulted in a reduction in the rate of groundwater increase and more recently the fall in groundwater levels. There has been a moderate reduction in the flow in the Bournes, particularly on the Nailbourne. The forecast is for mostly dry weather this week with light rain on Thursday the 4th of March. Further unsettled weather is forecast for next week, but property flooding is not expected at this time unless the forecast changes dramatically. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the evolving situation and will update this message by Tuesday the 9th of March 2021, or sooner should the situation change significantly.
Flood Alert issued on 23 Feb 2021 18:13
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent remain high however, the rate of groundwater level increase has slowed over the past few weeks. The drier conditions over the past few weeks has resulted in a reduction in the rate of groundwater increase and there has been a moderate improvement as the flow in the Bournes has stabilised and reduced slightly. The forecast is for dry weather and as a result property flooding is not expected at this time unless the forecast changes dramatically. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the evolving situation and will update this message by Tuesday 2 March 2021, or sooner should the situation change significantly.
Flood Alert issued on 16 Feb 2021 17:59
Groundwater
The rate of groundwater level increase in East Kent has slowed over recent days. Drier conditions associated with last week’s colder weather resulted in a reduction of the rate of groundwater increase, relative to that experienced over recent weeks. Whilst groundwater levels throughout East Kent remain high, there has been a moderate improvement as the flow in the Bournes has stabilised and reduced slightly over the last few days. The expectation is that properties and infrastructure in East Kent susceptible to groundwater flooding will be exposed to a similar level of risk over the coming days. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the evolving situation and will update this message by Tuesday 23 February 2021, or sooner should the situation change significantly.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2021 17:22
Groundwater
Groundwater levels continue to rise in East Kent. Since early January levels increased rapidly in response to higher than average rainfall received in December and storm Christoph. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may soon experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 16 February 2021, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.
Flood Alert issued on 1 Feb 2021 15:30
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall in December. Since early January, levels increased rapidly in response to rainfall received during December and storm Christoph. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may soon experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 9 February 2021, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.
Flood Alert issued on 31 Mar 2020 13:45
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall. Levels continued to increase throughout most of February and early March in response to heavy rainfall and storm events. Groundwater levels currently remain high but stable with the onset of drier conditions. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 07 April, or sooner if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 24 Mar 2020 23:14
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall. Levels continued to increase throughout most of February and early March in response to heavy rainfall and storm events. Groundwater levels currently remain high but stable with the onset of dryer conditions. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 31th March, or sooner if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 17 Mar 2020 14:13
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall. Since mid-February, levels increased rapidly in response to rainfall received during Storms Ciara, Dennis and heavy rainfall on the 5th March. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may soon experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 24th March, or sooner if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 10 Mar 2020 14:03
Groundwater
Groundwater levels in East Kent have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall. Since mid-February, levels increased rapidly in response to rainfall received during Storms Ciara, Dennis and heavy rainfall on the 5th March. Properties in and around the Nailbourne Valley, Alkham and Petham may soon experience flooding from groundwater. However, due to the nature of groundwater flooding, other properties across East Kent may also experience flooding. Further rainfall could cause groundwater levels to rise further increasing the flood risk. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation and will update this message by Tuesday 17th March, or sooner if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 5 Mar 2020 18:28
Groundwater
The Nailbourne and Little Stour has been flowing since February and rising groundwater levels mean flooding is now possible. Flooding of low lying land, gardens and roads is now possible at any location including Elham, Patrixbourne, Littlebourne and Wickhambreaux. Some fords in Barham and Bridge will remain closed during March. The Little Stour Flood Relief Channel is in partial operation at Littlebourne. Temporary defences operate in Barham. The internal flooding of residential properties at ground level is not expected. This Flood Alert is likely to remain in force throughout March. We are monitoring the situation continually and are co-ordinating efforts with local authorities and community leaders. Our incident response staff are attending weedscreens and culverts regularly. This message will be updated daily.