Oxfordshire

Oxford Residents Warned of Flooding Risk Following Heavy Rain

By

Karen McGinn
13 February 2026, 1:17 pm

The Oxford City Council has issued flood alerts for the River Thames and nearby waterways in Oxford, Oxfordshire, as of February 13, 2026. These alerts have been put in place following a period of intense rainfall that has caused river levels to rise and left the ground saturated across the city.

Data from the Radcliffe Meteorological Station shows that 88 per cent of the total average rain for February fell during the first ten days of the month. This follows a very wet January where the area saw 62 per cent more rain than usual for the time of year.

According to the official flooding check service, there are currently three specific warnings in place across the county. These include areas near the River Ray and a section of the River Thames at Shiplake, where water levels are particularly high.

Work on the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is expected to begin in late 2026 to help protect the city from future storms. The project will involve building a new five-kilometre channel to help move water away from local homes and businesses.

Until this new system is finished, the Environment Agency and the council are asking residents to monitor water levels closely. Households and drivers are being encouraged to check for possible road closures and follow safety advice from local officials.

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