The Environment Agency has placed Cheshunt and the wider Lee Valley on high alert on 8 February 2026 after sustained heavy rain and rising river and groundwater levels. The agency says there is a high risk of flooding over the next five days (Feb 8–13) that could affect homes and disrupt travel across the community.
As of 8 February 2026 the Environment Agency reported 90 active flood warnings and 234 flood alerts nationally. The Met Office is tracking a weather front moving across southern England and says saturated catchments and high groundwater levels are increasing the risk of both river and surface-water flooding in the Lee Valley.
Locally, the River Lea and the Small River Lee have seen rising levels and the Environment Agency warns that saturated ground means rivers and tributaries are less able to absorb further rainfall. (Note: the Environment Agency’s live flood-map pages for the Small River Lee and the Lower River Lee showed no flood warnings for those specific target areas as of 11:15am on 8 February 2026, but the agency continues to report rising levels and an elevated risk.)
Local authorities say travel may be disrupted. The Research Brief and local transport information identify the Greater Anglia network as at-risk of delays, and roads prone to standing water include the A1170 and the B176. Commuters are advised to check Greater Anglia JourneyCheck, National Rail Enquiries and Hertfordshire County Council travel updates before travelling.
Broxbourne Borough Council is coordinating with Hertfordshire County Council (the Lead Local Flood Authority) and other partners to monitor the situation and provide support to residents in low-lying areas. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is also managing parklands that act as natural floodplain.
Residents in low-lying streets near the Lee Valley Regional Park and the Pindar Road area are being urged to prepare: sign up for Environment Agency and local alerts, move valuable items to higher floors where practical, prepare a flood kit and follow guidance from emergency services.
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