A major incident has been declared in Somerset after Storm Chandra unleashed over 50mm of rain in parts of the county on Monday, January 27. The intense rainfall caused rivers to overflow, resulting in flooding across homes and businesses in areas including Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford, and West Camel. Somerset Council warns that the number of affected properties, currently around 50, may rise as further rain is forecast.
Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, said, “Declaring a major incident allows us to respond effectively to this ongoing and challenging situation. The substantial rainfall, combined with already saturated ground, has brought widespread disruption. Our thoughts are with the communities impacted by flooding.”
Council teams have been working through the night to address reports of impassable roads and continue to advise residents to avoid travel and never drive through floodwaters. The Met Office has issued a further heavy rain warning for western Somerset on Thursday, January 29, from midday until nearly midnight, heightening concerns about additional flooding.
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Revans emphasized, “Our top priority is supporting vulnerable residents and ensuring everyone knows where to find assistance. We’re closely monitoring the upper catchment impact, especially on the Somerset Levels and Moors, and collaborating with the Environment Agency to mitigate damage to homes and communities. Contingency plans are in place to support residents if conditions worsen.”
Storm Chandra marks the third significant storm to impact the South West recently, following Storm Ingrid over the weekend and Storm Goretti earlier this month. Each storm has compounded rainfall levels, pushing rivers beyond their banks and flooding roads and rail lines.
Transport disruption is expected to continue for several days. National Rail reports cancellations and delays across the CrossCountry network throughout south west England and parts of Wales due to the storm’s impact. Great Western Railway has suspended services between Castle Cary and Exeter St Davids, with limited replacement transport operating between Taunton and Exeter St Davids via Tiverton Parkway. However, flooding on the roads is causing extended travel times for these services.
Residents are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and follow advice from emergency services as Somerset continues to grapple with the effects of Storm Chandra.