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Rivers in UK: Current River Conditions

This guide explains how to review and track the current river conditions in the United Kingdom. Check for closure alerts on all the major rivers in England and Wales.

RIVER LEVELS & FLOOD WARNINGS: Not all the major rivers in the UK are particularly long. But, the River Severn is the longest waterway.

River Severn stretches 220 miles (354 km) from its source in the Welsh mountains. It finally flows into the Atlantic Ocean near to Bristol.

River Levels Warning: England and Wales

It is the role of the Environment Agency to forecast any risk of flooding across England and Wales. The Agency also gives out stream warnings and informs the public of current river conditions.

Anyone using boats and waterways should take note of flood alerts and Environment Agency river levels warning. Their issuance could mean that boaters should not go out in a small vessel on the water.

Note: Boat clubs often display red flags when UK river levels are dangerously high around Great Britain. Check current river and sea levels in England and river levels in Wales.

Strong Stream Warning and Advice

You can get advice about strong streams or check the most current strong stream warnings. Check the River Thames flood warnings in London by telephoning the 24 hour hotline:

Strong Stream Advice
Telephone: 0345 988 1188
24 hour service
Check call charges for 0345 numbers.

Choose option 1 after your call gets answered and then enter one of the the appropriate quick dial codes

UK Rivers Map: River Thames

  • River conditions and strong stream warnings: 011131
  • Working on the river and lock closures: 011132
  • Events on the river which affect boating: 011133

Other Rivers in Great Britain

  • River Nene: 032112
  • Great Ouse: 033211
  • Ancholme: 031212

Note: Sign up to the free strong stream advice messaging system for other waterways. They include Rivers Nene, Great Ouse, and Ancholme.

Strong Stream Advice Messaging System
Telephone: 020 3025 5068

Checking Tide Forecasts

Seven day tide predictions are available for big rivers in England and Wales with extra information about:

River Thames Flood Warnings Defence

Without doubt, the River Thames is among the most significant and important waterways in the United Kingdom.

The Thames is the deepest river in Britain and stretches for 215 miles (346 km) before it finally flows into the North Sea.

The Environment Agency manages the River Thames in London. Their services allow checks on non-tidal sections for the most up-to-date conditions. It includes status alerts for any river closures and restrictions with information on lock closures.

You can get advice about emergency rendezvous points between Teddington and Lechlade. The Port of London Authority also manages the tidal Thames which means you can get current works and closures on these sections of the river.

Note: Check for further information on the river closures, restrictions, and lock closures affecting boaters on the River Thames.

Cruising The River Thames

Always check navigation bylaws and registration bylaws before setting out. Get vital information about bridges, locks, and other facilities for boaters. Further guides are available for boating on the Thames or its connecting waterways for cruising up the rivers.

Anglian Waterways

Anglian Waterways have information on conditions, closures and restrictions. Always check the reports and their recreational bylaws before setting out. You can also download the latest information about the facilities and safety for these rivers:

  • River Great Ouse
  • Black Sluice
  • River Nene
  • River Ancholme
  • River Stour
  • River Welland and Glen

The River Medway

The River Medway in England is 70 miles long (113 km). Check the current conditions, relevant restrictions, and the latest closures. Their reports get updated during business working hours each week day.

Boaters can telephone Allington Lock if the request is outside of business hours.

Allington Lock
Telephone: 01622 752864

Note: Besides reading the user’s guide to the River Medway you should also check out the navigation bylaws for the Upper Medway and Southern Region.

Rye Harbour

Be sure to check the latest conditions and closures at Rye Harbour. They have extra advice about passage, pilot, and mooring information, UK Rivers map guides, and Rye Harbour bylaws for boaters.

Elsewhere in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

Further information is openly available for river and canal conditions for:

Current River Conditions: UK River Levels, Flood Alerts, and Closures in Great Britain