On 6 February 2026, the Environment Agency issued six flood alerts for Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, after heavy rain caused local river levels to rise quickly. The alerts mean flooding is possible and residents should be prepared for water on low-lying land and some roads throughout the day.
Milton Keynes City Council is monitoring the situation, especially along the River Great Ouse and the River Ouzel, where river levels have risen quickly. Officials expect water levels to peak between about 2:00pm and 6:00pm on Friday, with the risk likely to decrease by Saturday morning.
The city’s man-made balancing lakes — including Willen Lake and Caldecotte Lake — are being used to hold the extra water and reduce the risk to residential properties. The Parks Trust says the lakes and parkland are performing as designed, even if some footpaths and park areas look flooded.
Older parts of the area, including Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford, are being watched more closely because they are more vulnerable to rising water than the newer parts of the city. The Environment Agency has advised drivers to avoid driving through standing water on rural roads while the alerts remain in force.
The situation comes amid a wider programme by Buckinghamshire Council to improve flood defences across the county — the council has allocated £10.5 million to a Flood Capital Programme for 2025–27 to deliver resilience and alleviation projects. Residents are urged to stay away from swollen rivers and check travel routes before leaving home.
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