Flooding along the banks of the River Severn has caused significant disruption in the Kempsey area, with water levels rising rapidly and cutting off access to a riverside caravan park and adjacent boatyard at Court Meadow. According to the monitoring station at the Environment Agency gauge near Kempsey Yacht Club, water levels reached 6.62 m early on 17 November – well above the 6.00 m threshold at which property flooding becomes possible.
A flood warning has been issued for the stretch of the River Severn covering Court Meadow, Kempsey and neighbouring Callow End: “Flooding is expected … property flooding is possible when the level exceeds 6.00 metres.”
Official Statements
From the Environment Agency:
The EA’s flood-warning service has stated that rising river levels are being closely monitored and that flooding is expected in the coming days. For example, the flood‐warning page for Kempsey says:
“Flooding is expected on 15 November 2025 and over the weekend… Flooding may affect properties at Lower Ferry Lane, Callow End and Court Meadow Caravan park.”
They also remind residents: “Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.”
From the Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC):
While no specific quote has been published for this exact incident, the Council’s flood- and land-drainage page reminds residents that they should register for flood warnings, check river levels, and follow the advice of the Environment Agency.
What This Means for Kempsey Residents
- With the river level over 6.6 m, the risk to low-lying land and properties near the river is significant. The historical threshold for property flooding (6.00 m) has been exceeded.
- Access to the caravan park and boatyard at Court Meadow is already reported as cut off.
- Roads and driveways close to the riverbank – especially around Lower Ferry Lane and Callow End – should be considered at risk for surface flooding and/or access problems.
- Residents in the flood-warning area should assume that flooding could happen at any time and prepare accordingly.
Suggested Action Steps for Residents
- Sign up for flood warnings Register for free flood alerts from the Environment Agency (text, email or phone). The warning pages note you can get “Get flood warnings by phone, text or email.”
- Monitor river levels and local conditions Keep an eye on the gauge at Kempsey Yacht Club (current reading 6.62 m).
- Prepare your property
- Move valuables, documents and sentimental items upstairs or to a higher level.
- Protect walls, lower-level windows and service entry points if you can.
- Ensure drainage gutters and external channels are clear.
- Park vehicles on higher ground if possible.
- Avoid flood-water hazards As the Environment Agency warns: avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Hidden hazards, deep puddles or fast-moving water can all be dangerous.
- Check your access and exit routes Flooding may cut off roads, driveways or cause land to become marshy/unusable. Plan alternative routes and ensure you can leave if required.
- Help neighbours and vulnerable residents If you know someone who lives near the river and may struggle to move items or secure their property, lend a hand. Community readiness helps reduce risk.
- Stay updated and ready to act The situation may change quickly. The flood-warning page for Kempsey states the message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 17 November or as conditions change.
Final Thoughts
This event is a timely reminder of the power of the River Severn, and how important it is for our community in Kempsey to remain prepared and alert. While we hope that the flooding remains manageable, the water is already above levels known to threaten properties and access in the local area.
If you live near the river or have a property close to the flood-plain, now is the time to act-not later.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and will post any further updates on Kempsey.co.uk as they become available.
If you have witnessed an incident, or your property has been impacted, please report it to the Environment Agency via Floodline (0345 988 1188) and inform Malvern Hills District Council.
