This article originally reported high river levels and flood warnings in Oxfordshire during the wet weather of early February 2026.
Editorial clarification: the original council news link is no longer available, and the live warning service does not verify the totals or individual warning locations quoted in our February report. Those details and an unverified council quotation have been removed pending confirmation from a dated record. Their removal is not evidence that there were no warnings, or that any area is safe now.
What flood alerts and warnings mean
The Environment Agency distinguishes three levels in its official flood-warning guidance:
- Flood alert: flooding is possible; prepare now.
- Flood warning: flooding is expected; act now.
- Severe flood warning: danger to life; act now and follow emergency-service instructions.
Warnings can change quickly. Use the live checking service to look up your postcode or location, river levels and the five-day flood outlook. An old news report cannot establish the risk at a particular property today.
Get flood warnings by phone, text or email
Register for the Environment Agency’s free warning service if your home or organisation is in an eligible area in England. It covers flooding from rivers, the sea or groundwater, depending on the area. It does not provide warnings for surface-water flooding.
Floodline is available 24 hours a day on 0345 988 1188 for advice and help registering. It is not a substitute for 999 in an immediate emergency.
Practical flood-safety advice
Government guidance on what to do during a flood says not to walk, cycle or drive through floodwater. Water can contain sewage and conceal damaged surfaces, debris and missing drain covers.
If a flood warning is issued, move people, pets and important belongings to safety and follow advice from the emergency services. Only turn off utilities if it is safe; never touch an electrical switch while standing in water. Do not put yourself at risk to move a vehicle or retrieve possessions.
Report an electrical hazard or power cut to your local electricity network operator, or call 105 free. Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
Oxfordshire information and preparation
The county council’s Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit provides local flood-risk information, preparation advice, reporting routes and recovery guidance. Check current school and travel arrangements directly before setting out during severe weather.
