Persistent heavy rainfall is wreaking havoc across the South West, with Somerset bearing the brunt after a major incident declaration following Storm Chandra. The region faces heightened flooding risks as rain continues to fall.
On Sunday, February 1, additional intense showers compounded the situation, prompting the Environmental Agency to issue an alert. The downpours are expected to persist into Monday, February 2, with the Met Office upgrading the warning to a yellow rain alert covering Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset from noon Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday. Officials warn that properties remain at high risk of flooding due to already saturated land.
Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey explained, “A band of rain will steadily move northwards from the South West throughout Monday, reaching the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall by early afternoon, then extending towards Devon, Somerset, and Dorset later in the day and into the night.” He added that rainfall totals will range between 10 to 20 millimeters widely, but local hillier areas like Dartmoor could see as much as 50 to 60 millimeters due to saturation.
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Though these amounts are less severe than earlier in the week, the accumulation threatens to worsen existing flood conditions. Vautrey emphasized that flooded fields, high river levels, and waterlogged terrain observed around Exeter underscore the risk of further damage. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
Already, the Environmental Agency has recorded 10mm of rainfall over South Somerset within 12 hours on Sunday. River levels on the Parrett, Yeo, and Isle remain sensitive and could respond quickly to more rain. The agency is actively monitoring conditions, issuing warnings, and managing flood defenses where necessary.
The weather is also disrupting transport services. South Western Railway reported flooding along tracks between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, leading to cancellations and delays. Additional service interruptions are possible throughout Monday.
Road conditions remain hazardous as well. Following the recent storms, many roads were closed due to fast-flowing and deep floodwaters, presenting danger to life and risking isolation for some communities.
Earlier flooding affected around 50 properties in Somerset, and this figure may increase with ongoing rainfall. High-volume pumps are still deployed to manage water levels in critical areas.
Somerset Council has cautioned that continued rain could impact more homes, especially in Moorland, Saltmoor, and Currymoor. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as efforts continue to mitigate the flooding crisis.