Somerset faces increased flood risks after a night of heavy rainfall, prompting urgent warnings from the Environment Agency. Following extensive rain, rivers across the county have swollen, with flood warnings issued in two key locations and seven additional flood alerts across other areas.
The Met Office had already issued a severe weather warning on Monday, December 1, forecasting 21 hours of rain. Although no formal weather warnings are in place today, December 2, continued rain is expected across the South West, keeping flood risks elevated.
The Environment Agency uses two levels of alerts:
- Flood Alert: Flooding is possible. Residents should prepare by safeguarding important documents, medications, and making contingency plans.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or occurring. Immediate action is required to protect family, pets, valuables, and to turn off utilities if safe.
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Specific flood warnings include:
River Parrett (South Perrott to Thorney):
High river levels are expected to cause flooding starting overnight on December 1, continuing into early December 2. Areas near the River Parrett, particularly low-lying lands and roads downstream of Gawbridge, including the A356 at Chiselborough, Norton Sub Hamdon to Stratton road, and Parrett Works near Martock, will be most affected. While the heaviest rain has passed, further showers remain likely.
River Yeo (Sherborne to Yeovil):
Flooding is anticipated early on December 2. The alert covers low-lying land and roads around South Street, Ludborne Road, Sherborne Sewage Treatment Works, and the Mole Valley Farmers area near Sherborne Road, Yeovil. Rain has eased in this area with drier conditions forecasted for later in the day.
Additional flood alert zones include streams and tributaries in West Somerset (Horner Water, River Aller, Washford River, Hawkcombe, Monksilver and Doniford), rivers across North Somerset (Congresbury Yeo, Cheddar Yeo, Axe), and various river catchment areas such as the River Chew, Mid Bristol Avon, South East and South Somerset rivers, Middle Exe, and rivers Clyst and Culm.
Residents across all affected areas are advised to stay updated via official channels and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property as river levels remain high and weather conditions evolve.