Severe weather updates

Sandbags

• Like all other local authorities in Oxfordshire, Oxford City Council does not provide sandbags to the public except in very exceptional circumstances. We may decide to use sandbags:
  • to protect the properties we own as a landlord
  • to protect isolated communities
  • on a case-by-case assessment, where a member of the public is vulnerable and are unable to protect their own property
• All other citizens and businesses should prepare for possibility of flooding by:
  • buying sandbags but check the GOV.UK flood preparation guidelines for the best ways to protect your property
  • purchasing sandbags at most builders' merchants, including Buildbase, Wickes, and B&Q
  • helping neighbours with sandbag filling or collection
  • exploring alternatives to sandbags, such as 'hydrosnake' expanding water barriers from Screwfix
  • following the sandbag disposal guidelines on our Clearing up after a flood page

For more information on flood response, visit our what to do if your home or property floods page.

If you are considering disposing of your sandbags

If floodwater has reached your sandbags, they cannot be recycled as they may be contaminated. You can dispose of used sandbags in the landfill containers at your nearest waste recycling centre

If you are disposing of the sand in your garden, wear protective gloves and dig it in the garden – do not spread across lawns or use for children’s sandpits.

If the floodwater did not reach the sandbags, they can be stored for use in the future

Towpaths 

Towpaths along the rivers through Oxford are likely to become flooded.

It is extremely dangerous to attempt to walk or cycle along flooded towpaths. This has led to loss of life in the past.

Advice for boat dwellers 

Boaters are likely to be acutely aware of changes in water levels, particularly if you live on a boat. Remember to: 

• Keep an eye on the weather, particularly if you're moored in a rural part of a canal or river
• Don't cruise in strong stream conditions. Tie up securely, watch for changes in water level and adjust your mooring ropes as necessary 
• Take extra care when getting on and off your boat as the verge may be submerged 
• If you find yourself in difficulty and can't get off your boat, please call 999 and ask for the fire service 
• If the area where you're moored starts to flood, make sure your mooring ropes allows for movement 
• Be careful where you choose to moor: for example don't moor under bridges where water levels can rise 
• Be mindful of falling branches, and even trees, in high winds 

For more information, visit the Canal and River Trust website.

More information

Flood alerts and warnings

• Sign up for flood warnings
• Flood alerts and flood warnings for Oxford
• Five-day flood risk forecast
• Information about river levels in Oxford

Travel information

• Travel updates and information

General information

• Information about flooding in Oxford
• General information about flooding from Oxfordshire County Council