Severe weather updates

Latest updates

Update 19 December 2025

River levels at Seacourt have risen so we are closing the Seacourt Park & Ride extension. The situation continues to be closely monitored.

At Bulstake, river levels have also risen but remain below the threshold for flood barrier deployment. As a precautionary measure, a number of sandbags have been positioned on site. Should water levels continue to rise, these will be deployed as necessary. The flood barrier is also on standby and ready for immediate deployment if required, however, we remain hopeful that this will not be necessary.

The towpath between Fiddlers and Sidlings islands, is currently closed. Warning signs are in place on the cycle path at King George’s Meadow.

We are closely monitoring conditions and will continue to do so throughout the weekend.

Update 18 December 2025

A flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency. Flooding is possible for the River Cherwell and its tributaries from Lower Heyford down to Oxford including Rousham, Enslow, Thrupp, Hampton Poyle and East Kidlington. Rising river levels this afternoon may lead to flooding.

Flooding is also possible from the afternoon of 18 December. Flooding of low lying land and roads is possible, especially in the Thrupp area. Further heavy rain is expected through the afternoon and into the evening. We expect river levels to remain high throughout the night and into tomorrow.

We are monitoring rainfall and river levels. Avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. Check online for updates on current river levels.

Be prepared! You should:

go to Check for flooding to see a map of the area and monitor up-to-date local flood information
get ready to act on your personal flood plan if you have one
follow the guidance in what to do before or during a flood

You can also read more about what flood alerts are.

Stay up to date. To get the latest flood information, you can:

go to Check for flooding
monitor local weather, news and travel updates

Update 17 December 2025

There is a Met Office yellow weather warning in place for tomorrow, 18 December. We expect the forecast rainfall to cause already high-water levels to rise further, and additional widespread alerts are likely. There is the possibility of flood warnings across our area, focused across the Cherwell and Cotswold catchments from Thursday afternoon into Friday. River levels in the Kidlington area are likely to be higher than we have seen yet this autumn.

Update 12 December 2025

With levels rising on waterways in the city, we are asking people to find alternative routes and not venture along flooded paths. Currently the footpath and cycle path across King George's Field which leads to Willow Walk, is flooded and the towpath between Fiddler's and Sidelings Islands remains closed, with the water still rising.

Flooding events are becoming more common due to climate change. For those living in areas susceptible to flooding, please visit the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit for useful help and information on how to protect your property: Oxfordshire County Council – Flood Toolkit

Update 10 December 2025:

Due to the current weather conditions the towpath between Port Meadow and Botley Rd has started to flood and the gates have now been locked at either end because of the risks. Other areas of the towpath in the city may also start to flood over the next few days..

Weather updates

Latest weather forecast on the Met Office website

Flood alerts and warnings

Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code 171445.

What you should consider doing in the event of possible flooding

monitor local water levels and weather conditions
get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one
move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so
prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need
businesses should inform staff and customers about the situation
check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
in rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood
flood water is dangerous and may be polluted - wash your hands thoroughly if you've been in contact with it

Sandbags

Like all other local authorities in Oxfordshire, Oxford City Council does not provide sandbags to the public except in very exceptional circumstances. We may decide to use sandbags:

to protect the properties we own as a landlord
to protect isolated communities
on a case-by-case assessment, where a member of the public is vulnerable and are unable to protect their own property
All other citizens and businesses should prepare for possibility of flooding by:
- buying sandbags but check the GOV.UK flood preparation guidelines for the best ways to protect your property
- purchasing sandbags at most builders' merchants, including Buildbase, Wickes, and B&Q
- helping neighbours with sandbag filling or collection
- exploring alternatives to sandbags, such as 'hydrosnake' expanding water barriers from Screwfix
- following the sandbag disposal guidelines on our Clearing up after a flood page

For more information on flood response, visit our what to do if your home or property floods page.

Travel information

Travel updates from Oxfordshire County Council on X