Flood risk across Worcestershire
The Severn runs through the middle of Worcestershire, joined by the Teme below Worcester, while the Avon loops around Evesham and Pershore. Worcester, Upton upon Severn and Evesham flooded in July 2007, and in February 2020 the Severn overtopped the temporary barriers at Bewdley.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Worcestershire County Council and landowners.
River Severn – Bewdley, Stourport, Worcester and Upton upon Severn
River Avon – Evesham and Pershore
River Teme – Tenbury Wells and Powick
River Stour – Kidderminster and Stourport
River Salwarpe – Bromsgrove and Droitwich
Who manages flood risk here
Worcestershire County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. Your district or borough council decides planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
