Flood Alert Info - Lower River Wear
Area Description
Lower River Wear from Escomb to Sunderland including the Rivers Browney, Cong Burn and Lumley Park Burn.
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 26 Sep 2024 13:56
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are continuing to rise on the Lower River Wear after heavy rainfall overnight and this morning.
River levels are forecast to peak late this afternoon and expected to remain high until the early hours of tomorrow morning (27/09/2024)
Further rainfall is forecast this evening.
We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 13:00 PM on 27/09/2024 or earlier if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 25 Sep 2024 18:19
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are forecast to rise on the Lower River Wear with heavy rainfall forecasted to move across the region from 9pm this evening throughout the night and into tomorrow morning.
We expect rivers to respond from the early hours of Thursday with the potential to bring high isolated totals. There is low confidence in the exact location and distribution of the heaviest showers but where they do fall there will be a particular risk of surface water impacts in urban areas and the potential for a fluvial response in rapidly responding catchments.
We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 13:00 PM on 26/09/2024 or earlier if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Apr 2024 13:56
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to heavy rainfall.
Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads from 13:45 PM on 09/04/2024.
Further rainfall is forecast for throughout the day and river levels are forecast to rise.
We will continue to monitor levels closely.
Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
This message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 10/04/2024, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 27 Dec 2023 18:01
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to heavy rainfall.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Lower River Wear, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads.
River levels are expected to peak overnight and further rainfall is forecast.
We will continue to monitor levels closely.
Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 28/12/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 7 Dec 2023 19:35
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels have risen on the Lower River Wear due to heavy rainfall around the area.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Lower River Wear including Small hope burn at Lanchester, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. The heaviest rain is now clearing.
We will continue to monitor the forecast and will issue any flood warnings if required.
Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
This message will be updated by 09:00 AM on 08/12/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 4 Dec 2023 18:40
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to persistent rainfall and snowmelt.
Flooding is possible to riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads from this afternoon (04/12/2023) until tomorrow morning (05/12/2023).
Further rainfall is forecast throughout the evening into Tuesday morning, therefore river levels will be elevated until tomorrow morning.
We will continue to monitor levels closely and issue any flood warnings if required.
Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
This message will be updated by 09:00 AM on 05/12/2023, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 2 Nov 2023 09:16
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
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 06:14
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
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 18:15
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
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 8 Jul 2023 17:41
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
There have been some heavy showers this afternoon (Saturday 8th July) in the North East Area, but the potential for further heavy, possibly thundery, showers remains this evening and through the night which could bring high isolated totals. There is low confidence in the exact location and distribution of the heaviest showers but where they do fall there will be a particular risk of surface water impacts in urban areas and the potential for a fluvial response in rapidly responding catchments. Therefore, the Flood Alert will remain in force overnight and we will provide a further update tomorrow morning.
We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings, but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required.
Flood Alert issued on 8 Jul 2023 11:28
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
This message has been issued proactively ahead of heavy thundery showers that are forecast to move across the region between 11am and 12 midnight today (Sat 8th July) with the potential to bring high isolated totals.
There is low confidence in the exact location and distribution of the heaviest showers but where they do fall there will be a particular risk of surface water impacts in urban areas and the potential for a fluvial response in rapidly responding catchments.
We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required. This message will be updated this evening or earlier if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 16 Mar 2023 00:45
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
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 Nov 2022 10:46
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels remain high at the Burn Hall river gauge due to persistent rainfall overnight.
Consequently, flooding of riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads is possible throughout today, Friday 18/11/2022.
Further rainfall is expected over the weekend, and we expect river levels to remain high. We are closely monitoring the situation.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 17:00 on 18/11/2022, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 17 Nov 2022 17:06
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels have risen at the Sunderland Bridge, Durham New Elvet Bridge and Front Street river gauges due to persistent rainfall.
Consequently, flooding is possible with areas most at risk include riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads from 21:00 on Thursday, 17/11/2022.
Further rainfall is forecast to be persistent into Friday morning, 18/11/2022. We expect river levels to remain high overnight to early hours of Friday, 18/11/2022.
We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and clearing weed screens.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 11:00 on 18/11/2022, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Feb 2022 19:59
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels continue to remain high on the Lower River Wear as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall throughout Sunday (20/02/2022).
River levels at Sunderland Bridge, Durham, and Chester le Street are still rising and are expected to peak on Monday morning. River levels will remain high throughout Monday (21/02/2022).
Please monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
We are closely monitoring the situation. This message will be updated by 10:00 on 21/02/22, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Feb 2022 15:31
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels have risen on the Lower River Wear as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall. Further rainfall is expected throughout Sunday afternoon.
Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths and low-lying land and roads. We expect river levels to continue to rise throughout Sunday afternoon and peak over Sunday night into Monday morning. River levels are expected to remain high throughout Monday (21/02/2022).
We are closely monitoring the situation and may issue Flood Warnings later today if necessary.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 20:00 on 20/02/22, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 3 Feb 2021 17:35
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are forecast to remain high on the River Wear and its tributaries as a result of prolonged rainfall throughout today, Wednesday 03/02/2021. Consequently, flooding of low lying roads and farmland is still possible until tomorrow morning, Thursday 04/02/2021. The main impacts are being observed on smaller watercourses and tributaries, in particular areas around Houghton Le Spring including Moors Burn and the River Browney. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads. We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 09:00 on 04/02/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 3 Feb 2021 16:17
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are forecast to remain high on the River Wear and its tributaries as a result of prolonged rainfall throughout today, Wednesday 03/02/2021. Consequently, flooding of low lying roads and farmland is still possible until tomorrow morning, Thursday 04/02/2021. The main impacts are being observed on smaller watercourses and tributaries, in particular areas around Houghton Le Spring including Moors Burn, and the River Browney. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads. We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 09:00 on 04/02/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 3 Feb 2021 08:25
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are forecast to rise on the River Wear and its tributaries as a result of prolonged rainfall throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday, 03/02/2021. Consequently, flooding of low lying roads and farmland is possible from 07:00 today until this afternoon, 03/02/2021. The main impacts are being observed on smaller watercourses and tributaries, in particular areas around Houghton Le Spring including River Browney and Moors Burn. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads. We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 16:00 on 03/02/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Jan 2021 20:33
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels remain high on the Lower River Wear as a result of heavy rainfall yesterday and today, 20/01/20. Further rainfall is forecast to continue falling across the catchment this evening, and therefore we expect river levels to remain high. Flooding of riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads is expected to continue. We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue Flood Warnings if necessary.
Our incident response staff are out on the ground checking defences and clearing any blockages from rivers. Please avoid using low lying footpaths and roads near local watercourses. This message will be updated by 09:30 on 21/01/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 20 Jan 2021 08:51
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels have risen on the Lower River Wear and its tributaries as a result of heavy rainfall on Tuesday and overnight. Consequently, flooding of riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads is expected to continue today, Wednesday 20/01/21. Further rainfall is forecast to continue falling across the catchment today with some heavier bursts of rain this evening and consequently we expect river levels to remain high. We are closely monitoring the situation but do not currently expect to issue any Flood Warnings. Our incident response staff are out on the ground checking defences and clearing any blockages from rivers. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses. This message will be updated by 16:00 on 20/01/21, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 19 Jan 2021 19:25
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are forecast to rise on the Lower River Wear and its tributaries as a result of persistent heavy rainfall today which is forecast to continue overnight and into Wednesday. Consequently, flooding of riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads is expected from 01:00 tomorrow morning, Wednesday 20/01/21.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast to continue falling across the catchment for the next few days and consequently we expect river levels to remain high.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue Flood Warnings if necessary. Our incident response staff are out on the ground checking defences and clearing any blockages from rivers.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.
This message will be updated by 09:00 on 20/01/21,, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 16 Feb 2020 20:15
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels on the Lower River Wear have now peaked at Durham and Sunderland Bridge and are receding, however levels are expected to remain high overnight, therefore this Flood Alert remains in force. Further showers are expected overnight but we do not expect the rivers to respond significantly. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. We will continue to monitor river levels. This message will be updated by 12:00 on 17/02/20, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 16 Feb 2020 09:38
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels on the Lower River Wear are high as a result of heavy rainfall and snow melt. There is no further heavy rainfall forecast today however we are expecting levels at Durham and Chester le Street to continue to rise until peaking late this afternoon. River levels on smaller watercourses including the River Browney and the Lumley Park Burn are not expected to rise again. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. We are closely monitoring the situation and our incident response staff are checking defences. We will issue Flood Warnings if required. This message will be updated this afternoon, 16/02/2020, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 15 Feb 2020 20:06
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels have risen on the Lower River Wear as a result of heavy rainfall and snow melt. Consequently, rivers will be high throughout Saturday evening, 15/02/2020, and into Sunday.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the weekend. We expect river levels to remain high over this period.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
We are closely monitoring the situation and our incident response staff are checking defences. We will issue Flood Warnings if required.
This message will be updated tomorrow morning, 16/02/2020, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2020 19:25
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are still rising at the Sunderland Bridge and Durham New Elvet Bridge river gauges as a result of persistent heavy rainfall caused by Storm Ciara. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads. We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any flood warnings as needed. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. We continue to monitor the situation closely. This message will be updated by 11:00 tomorrow morning (10/02/2020) or earlier if the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 9 Feb 2020 10:17
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are still rising at the Sunderland Bridge and Durham New Elvet Bridge river gauges as a result of persistent heavy rainfall caused by Storm Ciara. Rain is expected to move out of the area by 12:00 today, 09/02/2020. However, low responding rivers may continue to rise into this evening.
Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads. We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any flood warnings as needed. Our incident response staff are checking defences.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated later this afternoon, 09/02/20, or as the situation changes.
Flood Alert issued on 8 Feb 2020 21:02
River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn
River levels are forecast to rise at the Sunderland Bridge and Durham New Elvet Bridge river gauges as a result of Storm Ciara. Consequently River Wear levels will rise relatively rapidly through Saturday night, 08/02/20 into Sunday morning, 09/02/20. Flooding of properties/roads and farmland is possible. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast through Saturday night and Sunday, rain will be particularly heavy over high ground in the Pennines and the Cheviots.
We are closely monitoring the situation and issue any flood warnings as needed.
Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
This message will be updated by 09:30 on Sunday, 09/02/20, or as the situation changes.