The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the River Wear near Washington, Tyne and Wear, as water levels continue to rise. At 11:15am on 23 January 2026 the Sunderland Bridge measuring station recorded a level of 1.67m, triggering the alert and meaning flooding is possible in the surrounding area.
Levels remain within the usual range for this location (0.25–2.20m), but the Environment Agency reports an upward trend and says levels may increase further as heavy rain in the North Pennines flows downstream. Above 2.20m, low-lying land and footpaths may begin to flood — which could affect trails around the Victoria Viaduct.
Residents in Fatfield and Cox Green are advised to stay alert under the EA Flood Alert, particularly those living or travelling near Bonemill Lane and River View. Local businesses — including riverside pubs between Fatfield and Queen Alexandra Bridge — have historically been among the first to experience basement or terrace/outdoor seating flooding in these conditions.
Local emergency services, including Northumbria Police, and Sunderland City Council said they are monitoring the trend. The highest recorded level at the Sunderland Bridge station is 3.71m, reached on 18 July 2009; if levels exceed about 3.25m, property flooding becomes a significant risk.
