Upper Ouse

Message issued at 3:33pm, Tuesday 17th February

This is an archived message. The status has changed more recently.

Flooding possible. Be prepared.

Flood alert

High river levels on Wednesday may lead to flooding.
Flooding is possible on 18 February 2026 as 15 to 20mm of rain is forecast on Wednesday to Thursday.
There is uncertainty in the forecast. The most likely scenario is for 20mm of rain. From 10:00PM on 18/02/2026, minor flooding could affect gardens of isolated properties near Bridge Cottage on the B2028, and on Sloop Lane. From 4:00AM on 19/02/2026, minor flooding could affect Fletching Mill Bridge, Sharpsbridge, Barcombe Mills Road, the Anchor Inn and gardens in Barcombe Mills. If more rain falls than forecast, isolated property flooding could be possible. River levels should peak by Thursday morning (Ardingly) or Thursday evening (Barcombe), then fall on Friday (20/02/2026).
We are closely monitoring the situation and operating structures at Pimms Lock and Barcombe to reduce flood risk.
Don't put yourself or others at risk . Avoid roads that flood, including Barcombe Mills Road.
This message will be updated by 8:00PM on 18 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

Information supplied by the Environment Agency

This information last updated 3:33pm, Tuesday 17th February.

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Most recent flood warnings and alerts for Upper Ouse

Warning no longer in force
Fri 20 Feb 2026, 1:20pm
Flood alert
Thu 19 Feb 2026, 9:26am
Flood alert
Wed 18 Feb 2026, 3:24pm
Flood alert
Tue 17 Feb 2026, 3:33pm
Flood alert
Mon 16 Feb 2026, 4:22pm
Flood alert
Sun 15 Feb 2026, 1:10pm
Flood alert
Sun 15 Feb 2026, 10:00am
Flood alert
Sat 14 Feb 2026, 3:53pm
Warning no longer in force
Fri 13 Feb 2026, 11:02am
Flood alert
Thu 12 Feb 2026, 8:48am

Flood Warning Area Details

Upper Ouse and tributaries from Slaugham to Barcombe Mills

Region: Solent and South Downs

Country: England

Counties covered: East Sussex, West Sussex

Watercourses covered: River Ouse

Area covered by this alert location

The area bounded in blue on the map shows the area covered by flood alerts and warnings for Upper Ouse.

Note: the area shown on the map is the area covered by flood alerts and warnings. It is not a live map of current flooding. The area covered broadly equates to the area where the risk of flooding in any year is greater than 1% (the "hundred year" flood risk).