Live river levels for the Thames and Kennet through Reading and Caversham, plus any Environment Agency flood warnings in force.
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Live river levels and any flood warnings for the Thames and the Kennet through Reading, straight from the Environment Agency. Central Reading sits where the Kennet meets the Thames, and Caversham is cut off across the river — so a wet spell shows up here first.
No flood warnings or alerts in force
Levels are measured against each gauge’s usual range — “above typical” doesn’t mean flooding, but it’s the first thing that moves when water is on its way.
| Gauge | Speaks for | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Thames at Reading | The main Thames along the north of the town — the Thameside promenade, King's Meadow, and the approach to Caversham Bridge. | Within typical range |
| Thames at Caversham Lock | Caversham and the northern riverside, above Caversham and Reading bridges. | Within typical range |
| Kennet at Blakes Lock | The Kennet through the town centre — Kennetside, the Oracle riverside, and Newtown. | Within typical range |
| Kennet at Reading (Calcot Bridge) | The Kennet in the west of the town — Calcot, Coley and the approach into central Reading. | Below typical range |
The Environment Agency's Reading and Caversham flood-warning area covers around 700 homes near the Thames and Kennet. The lowest-lying spots are Caversham's riverside, central Kennetside, and the Coley/Calcot reach of the Kennet.
The North Reading and Lower Caversham flood-alleviation scheme (estimated around £30m, roughly £11m of it secured so far) is still at the design-and-consultation stage — not yet built. Until it is, warnings and preparation are the main defence. Reading last saw significant Thames flooding in 2003 and 2014.
Sign up for free flood warnings by phone, text or email on GOV.UK. Move valuables upstairs, keep away from fast-moving water, and never drive or walk through floodwater. In immediate danger, call 999. For the Environment Agency Floodline, call 0345 988 1188 (24 hours).
Checked 13 July at 5:34. Uses Environment Agency flood and river level data from the real-time data API (Beta), Open Government Licence. Official warnings: check for flooding on GOV.UK.