The Environment Agency and the Met Office issued a joint warning on February 18, 2026, for residents in Haverhill, Suffolk, to prepare for unsettled weather and a higher risk of flooding until the middle of March 2026. Officials expect repeated Atlantic weather systems to bring frequent rain and periods of strong winds to the area.
The start of 2026 has already been exceptionally wet, with some areas receiving 184 per cent of their long-term average rainfall. The Met Office says a strong and unusually southernly jet stream is driving these conditions across eastern England.
Families living near the Stour Brook and the River Stour are encouraged to watch for rising water levels that may impact riverside properties. Heavy rain could also lead to travel disruption on key local roads such as the A1307 and A143.
The Meldham Washland flood reservoir remains in place to protect the town centre by storing excess water from overflowing rivers. Residents can stay informed by checking local flood alerts and signing up for regular updates.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
