Late on 31 January 2026 the Met Office and the Environment Agency issued flood alerts and warnings for Lancaster and parts of the Lune Valley after heavy rain saturated the catchment and pushed river levels higher. Official forecasts from the Met Office and the Flood Forecasting Centre say bands of showers are likely to continue through the week, keeping the ground saturated and increasing the risk of flooding along the River Lune.
Areas identified as most at risk include the Lune Industrial Estate, St George’s Quay and low-lying land near the River Conder and Burrow Beck. Residents in historic quay areas have been warned about possible basement flooding, and businesses in the industrial zone have been asked to prepare for rising water levels. The Caton Road flood-defence scheme — a £12.1m package of walls and embankments completed in 2021 — remains in place; scheme documentation (GOV.UK and The Flood Hub) confirms the defences were completed in 2021, and local reporting and operational notes indicate those defences are being put under pressure by the current high flows and, so far, appear to be holding.
Lancashire County Council Highways has warned drivers to expect disruption and possible road closures on the A683 and in the Skerton Bridge area because of surface water and high river levels. Official forecasts and the Flood Forecasting Centre note that high tides in Morecambe Bay can inhibit river drainage (a process often described as ‘tide-locking’), which can exacerbate flooding in low-lying riverside locations. People are being advised to avoid walking along riverside paths and never to drive through floodwater.
The Environment Agency’s standard flood-warning advice — including moving cars, pets and valuables to safety and knowing how to turn off gas, electricity and water if needed — is being circulated to residents in affected zones. Local teams are working under Lancaster City Council’s multi-agency flood plan to monitor river levels and support communities; reporters should check the Environment Agency’s live ‘Check for flooding’ service for the most up-to-date warnings and advice.
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