Flooded roads in Wokingham Borough as River Loddon bursts banks – more heavy rain forecast

Flooding is causing disruption across parts of Wokingham Borough today (Wednesday, 14 January 2026), with residents reporting water across roads and the River Loddon bursting its banks in places.

Photos taken by Paul King shared with My Wokingham show flooding on Whistley Mill Lane, including a lorry attempting to drive through standing water, alongside “Road Closed” signs on Sandford Lane

River levels high after prolonged wet weather

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the Lower River Loddon, warning that river levels remain high and that flooding of low-lying land, footpaths and roads is expected.

Residents living near the river say water levels have risen rapidly following several days of rain, with fields and floodplains now submerged.

Heavy rain forecast – ground already saturated

The Met Office has warned that further heavy rain is expected, with 20–30mm forecast widely and up to 40–50mm in isolated areas, falling on already saturated ground. This significantly increases the risk of surface water flooding and rivers responding quickly to rainfall.

Local forecasts and weather warnings for Wokingham can be found on the Met Office website:
👉 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/gcpkqnswe

Sandford Lane Hurst Closed

Sewage discharges often increase during heavy rain

Periods of heavy rainfall can also coincide with increased sewage discharges into rivers, as water companies use storm overflows to prevent sewage backing up into homes.

These discharges are legally permitted under certain conditions but typically occur during or after intense rainfall, when sewer systems are under pressure. Environmental groups have long raised concerns about the impact on river water quality, particularly when rivers are already swollen and flowing through residential areas.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with floodwater and river water, which may contain contaminants, and to keep pets away from affected areas.

More information on storm overflows and river water quality is available via the Environment Agency:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/check-for-flooding

Roads affected – drivers urged not to take risks

Flooding has made some routes unsafe, including Whistley Mill Lane and Sandford Lane, where road closures have been put in place.

Even shallow floodwater can:

• Stall vehicles
• Hide potholes or damaged road surfaces
• Contain sewage or debris
• Be deeper or faster-moving than it appears

Drivers are urged not to enter floodwater — conditions can change in seconds and the road surface may be damaged underneath.”

Reporting flooding

Flooding, blocked drains, or road hazards can be reported to Wokingham Borough Council via its website. Residents can also sign up for free flood alerts from the Environment Agency for the River Loddon catchment.