Flood Alert Info - The Rattlesden River and River Gipping, through and including Stowmarket and Needham Market

Area Description

The Rattlesden River and River Gipping, including Lower Street, Rattlesden, the Ford at Wash Lane Onehouse, Combs Ford, Stowmarket. Hawks Mill Street, Crown Street and Coddenham Road in Needham Market.
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 8 Dec 2024 08:27
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely to continue during today, Sunday 8th December. River levels are rising in response to rainfall overnight, but should peak and start to fall by mid morning. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for no significant rainfall over the next few days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation. We will update this message tomorrow morning, Monday 9th December, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 22 May 2024 13:10
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely from now and into tomorrow, Thursday 23rd May. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for further potentially heavy rainfall today, Wednesday 22nd May 2024. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate. We will update this message by 10am on Thursday 23rd May, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 23 Feb 2024 09:11
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Friday 23rd February. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting it to escalate. The weather forecast is showing no significant rainfall over the next couple of days. We will update this message by 10am tomorrow, Saturday 24th February.


Flood Alert issued on 19 Feb 2024 10:30
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely to continue today, Monday 19 February 2024. We are currently seeing higher river levels than normal. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for light showers this morning, Monday 19 February, which are expected to clear by lunchtime leaving the rest of the day dry. Tuesday 20 February is expected to be a dry day. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation closely. We will update this message on Tuesday 20 February 2024, or if the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 18 Feb 2024 09:52
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely in response to the overnight rain and the rain that continues to fall this morning, Sunday 18 February 2024. River levels are expected to continue to rise in response to recent rainfall. Areas most at risk are low-lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for further rain during this morning, Sunday 18 February, with the potential for some heavy showers. The rain is expected to clear off the East coast by early afternoon. The forecast is for some light showers on Monday 19 February and Tuesday 20 February. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are monitoring the situation. We will update this message on Monday 19 February, or if the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 11 Feb 2024 07:57
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Sunday 11th February 2024. We are currently seeing higher river levels than normal in response to the recent rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather with outbreaks of rain or showers at times. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation. We will update this message tomorrow, Monday 12th February 2024.


Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2024 09:54
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today Friday 9 February 2024. River levels are responding to overnight rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. Rain is expected throughout Friday which may be persistent and locally heavy. The forecast is for further isolated outbreaks of rain and showers over the weekend. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update this message tomorrow, Saturday 10 February.


Flood Alert issued on 8 Feb 2024 17:29
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely overnight, Thursday 8th and into Friday 9th February 2024. River levels are rising steadily in response to the rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for further rainfall overnight and tomorrow. Catchments are already saturated and it is likely that rivers will respond. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation. We will update this message tomorrow, Friday 9th February 2024.


Flood Alert issued on 6 Jan 2024 14:10
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Saturday 6th January 2024. We are currently seeing higher river levels than normal in response to recent rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for predominantly dry weather for the next few days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation closely. We will update this message tomorrow, Sunday 7th January.


Flood Alert issued on 5 Jan 2024 10:02
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Friday 5th January 2024. The River Gipping is rising steadily in response to the overnight rainfall. The forecast is for predominantly dry conditions for the next few days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation. We will update this message tomorrow Saturday 6th January 2024.


Flood Alert issued on 3 Jan 2024 14:04
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Wednesday 3rd January 2024. River levels are beginning to drop, but will remain responsive to further rainfall. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next couple of days with further rain showers throughout the week. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate. We will update this message tomorrow, Thursday 4th January.


Flood Alert issued on 2 Jan 2024 08:55
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Tuesday 2nd January 2024. The River Gipping and Rattlesden River are rising steadily in response to the overnight rainfall. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for further rain during the day. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this message on Wednesday 3rd January, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 19 Dec 2023 13:05
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Tuesday 19th December 2023. River levels are expected to continue to rise. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next couple of days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this message on Wednesday 20th December, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 10 Dec 2023 10:00
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Sunday 10th December 2023. River levels are beginning to drop, but will remain responsive to further rainfall. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for scattered showers for the next few days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this message on Monday 11th December, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 9 Dec 2023 12:30
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Saturday 9th December 2023. River levels are expected to continue to rise. It is likely that we may need to issue more warning messages for the wider area, over the next few hours. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next couple of days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this message on Sunday 10th December, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 18 Nov 2023 11:21
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Saturday 18th November 2023. The river is reacting in response to the rainfall overnight. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for further rain this afternoon and evening, Saturday 18th November. Tomorrow is due to be a dryer day with light rain forecast. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this message on Sunday 19th November, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 13 Nov 2023 13:22
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Monday 13th November. River levels are rising steadily in response to the rainfall that fell overnight and this morning associated with Storm Debi, which has now cleared into the North Sea. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for a dry afternoon, but with further showers through this evening, Monday 13th November, on a brisk westerly wind. Further showers are expected to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are closely monitoring the situation. We will update this message on the morning of Tuesday 14th November 2023, or as the situation changes.


Flood Alert issued on 2 Nov 2023 06:58
Rattlesden River, Gipping
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 29 Oct 2023 00:43
Rattlesden River, Gipping
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 03:28
Rattlesden River, Gipping
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 10 Mar 2023 15:46
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Friday 10th March. River levels are rising following today’s wintry weather, and will remain responsive to further rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas in Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Waterden, Rattlesden, and Combs Ford. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for a brief spell of wintry weather this evening, followed by a dry spell overnight and into tomorrow. Further rain is then forecast for Saturday evening into Sunday. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation. We will update this message by 9am tomorrow, Saturday 11th March.


Flood Alert issued on 21 Feb 2022 08:17
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely through today, Monday 21st February. River levels have risen following last night's rainfall, and are expected to continue to rise. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next few days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate. We will update this message by 9am tomorrow, Tuesday 22nd February, or as needed.


Flood Alert issued on 10 Dec 2021 14:51
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely. River levels are still higher than normal and will remain responsive to further rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next couple of days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate. We will update this message by 11am tomorrow, Saturday 11th December 2021.


Flood Alert issued on 10 Dec 2021 07:14
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Friday 10th December 2021. River levels are rising in response to the rainfall. Areas most at risk are low lying roads and riverside areas through Stowmarket and Needham Market, including Wetherden, Rattlesden and Combs Ford. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for the overnight rainfall to clear from the east later this morning, bringing some dry weather until late Saturday afternoon. Take care on riverside footpaths and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate. We will update this message by 6pm today, Friday 10th December 2021.


Flood Alert issued on 30 Jan 2021 09:57
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely through today, Saturday 30th January 2021. River levels remain high in response to recent rainfall. The forecast is for some heavy rainfall this morning, and into this afternoon, Saturday 30th January, with no further significant rain forecast tomorrow. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message at 9am tomorrow.


Flood Alert issued on 29 Jan 2021 07:47
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely through today, Friday 29th January 2021. River levels are currently high, but are expected to start to drop back down to more normal levels later today. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next couple of days. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message as necessary.


Flood Alert issued on 28 Jan 2021 16:46
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely overnight tonight, Thursday 28th January. River levels remain high, due to high groundwater levels as the water moves through the catchment in response to recent rainfall. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for some heavy rainfall this evening Thursday 28th January, with no further significant rain forecast tomorrow. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message as necessary.


Flood Alert issued on 28 Jan 2021 07:18
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely through today, Thursday 28th January 2021. River levels are reacting in response to the current rainfall. It is likely that we may need to issue more warning messages for a wider area, over the next few hours. The forecast is for rainfall to continue through today with further heavy outbreaks to follow this evening. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message by 18:00 today, Thursday 28th January.


Flood Alert issued on 17 Jan 2021 08:00
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely throughout today, and into this evening Sunday, 17th January. River levels are remaining high as the water moves through the system in response to the recent rainfall and snow melt. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate. The forecast is for dry conditions today and through until tomorrow afternoon where further rainfall is expected. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message as necessary, and no later than 6pm on Sunday 17th January.


Flood Alert issued on 16 Jan 2021 18:48
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely overnight tonight, Saturday 16th January 2021. River levels still remain high and are responsive to further rainfall and snowmelt. The forecast is for a dry day tomorrow, Sunday 17th January 2021, followed by further rainfall from Monday. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message by 09:00 Sunday 17th January 2021.


Flood Alert issued on 16 Jan 2021 07:45
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely throughout today, Saturday 16th January. River levels are beginning to drop, but will remain responsive to further rainfall. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate. The forecast is for persistent rain and snow showers this morning, with more settled weather for later today and tomorrow. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message as necessary, and no later than 6pm on Saturday 16th January.


Flood Alert issued on 15 Jan 2021 19:50
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Friday 15th January 2021 and over the next few days. River levels are beginning to drop, but will remain responsive to further rainfall. The forecast is for a cold dry night tonight, Friday 15th January 2021. Snow is expected to fall during tomorrow which could further elevate levels. Sunday and Monday are likely to remain dry before another weather front crosses the country on Tuesday. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message by 9:00 on Saturday 16th January 2021.


Flood Alert issued on 15 Jan 2021 09:21
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely over the next few hours and into this evening, Friday 15th January. River levels are high and continue to rise in response to the recent rainfall working its way through the system. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for dry conditions today, which will allow upstream river levels to lower, however further heavy rainfall is expected throughout Saturday. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message as necessary, and no later than 6pm on Friday 15th January.


Flood Alert issued on 14 Jan 2021 20:56
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely tonight, Thursday 14th January 2021. River levels are currently high, but are expected to start to drop overnight. The forecast is for more settled weather tomorrow which should allow river levels to fall, however more rain is expected Saturday. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message by 10:00, Friday 15th January 2021.


Flood Alert issued on 14 Jan 2021 07:35
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely over the next few hours and into this evening, Thursday 14th January. River levels are high and expected to continue to rise in response to the rainfall. It is likely that we may need to issue more warning messages for a wider area, over the next few hours. The forecast is for persistent rain this morning and into the afternoon, more settled on Friday but with further rainfall on Saturday. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message as necessary, and no later than 6pm on Thursday 14 January.


Flood Alert issued on 25 Dec 2020 07:34
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low-lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely for Friday 25th December. River levels are beginning to drop, but will remain responsive to further rainfall. The forecast is for continued unsettled weather over the next couple of days. Be ready to take action to protect your property if flooding is expected. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message by 11am tomorrow morning.


Flood Alert issued on 24 Dec 2020 18:52
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely through the evening and overnight into Friday 25th December. River levels are beginning to drop, but will remain responsive to further rainfall. The forecast is for dry conditions today, which will allow river levels to start returning to normal. Be ready to take action to protect your property if flooding is expected. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message as necessary.


Flood Alert issued on 24 Dec 2020 11:07
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely throughout today, Thursday 24th December. River levels are currently high, but are expected to start to drop back down to more normal levels later today following the rain overnight. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate. The forecast is for showers today moving into more settled weather over the next few days. Flood water is dangerous. Don't put yourself or others at risk. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message as necessary by 6pm on Thursday 24th December


Flood Alert issued on 23 Dec 2020 15:18
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely today, Wednesday 23rd December. River levels are expected to continue to rise. It is likely that we may need to issue more warning messages for a wider area, over the next few hours. The forecast is for persistant rainfall throughout today and into this evening. Take care on riverside footpaths and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message as necessary.


Flood Alert issued on 4 Dec 2020 15:47
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely over the next few hours and into this evening, Friday 4th December. River levels are currently high due to today's rainfall, and are expected to remain high overnight. We are not currently expecting the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages at this time. The forecast is for further light rainfall tomorrow, Saturday 5th December. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update this message by 10am tomorrow, Saturday 5th December.


Flood Alert issued on 4 Dec 2020 07:39
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas is likely over the next few hours and into this afternoon, Friday the 4th of December. River levels are currently high due to the overnight rainfall, but are expected to start to drop back down to more normal levels later today. It is likely that we may need to issue more warning messages for a wider area, over the next few hours. The forecast is for further light rainfall this morning and through Saturday the 5th of December. Take care on riverside footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation, and will update this message by 3pm today, Friday the 4th of December.


Flood Alert issued on 16 Feb 2020 17:35
Rattlesden River, Gipping
This message has been issued because there is a possibility of some minor flooding to low lying land, roads and riverside areas. Rain is now starting to clear from the region, Sunday 16th February 2020, with only scattered showers forecast overnight into tomorrow. River levels are rising in response to recent rainfall. The forecast is for showers to get more scattered and less intense. Take care on riverside footpaths and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and will update this message as necessary.