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River Severn Floods
RIVER SEVERN RIVER REPORT
The Environment Agency
FLOODLINE
0845 988 1188
TELEPHONE THE LOCKS
For the latest news about flooding on the Severn
From experience, the best and most reliable information is obtained from the lock-keepers.
They keep records of the river levels as they rise and fall.
Gloucester Lock: 01452 310832
Upper Lode Lock: 01684 293138
Diglis Lock: 01905 354280
Bevere Lock: 01905 640275
Holt Lock: 1905 620218
Lincomb Lock: 01299 822887
Conditions on the River Severn can change very quickly. A rule of thumb applies, a quick rise in levels usually means the level will return to normal just as quick. Whereas a slow rise in levels can have the opposite effect, that is, the river may be at flood level for a numerous number of weeks. This only applies to the river above Gloucester, for below the weirs the Severn is tidal and this in itself produces a different set of problems.
The river will still flood for several miles below Gloucester, but conditions will change during the fortnightly tide cycle. The high tides will hold back the freshwater coming downstream, thus pushing it higher over the banks.
Notoriously the Severn is a very shallow river, so during long periods without rain levels can become extremely low. This is not helped above Gloucester where the spring tides rise over the weirs each fortnight depositing vast amounts of silt onto the river bed.
It is very difficult to check the levels of the Severn each day and there are very few web sites which give a daily report on the state of the river. Therefore for an up to date report it is recommended that you ring The Environment Agency on the number shown in the box alongside.
For the latest information on all river levels in the UK, the Environment Agency have a hot-line on 0845 988 1188.
For the River Severn in Gloucestershire, telephone: 01684 850951.
Also Teletext Page 105 [ITV] gives information on flood warnings.
DID YOU KNOW THAT........
The Environment Agency issue flood warning codes
FLOOD WATCH:
FLOOD WARNING:
SEVERE FLOOD WARNING:
ALL CLEAR
Flooding possible - be aware, be prepared.
Flooding expected - act now.
Severe flooding expected - act now.
No flood warnings in place.
Click on the image to see live pictures of the River Severn at Bridgnorth