Environment Agency warns of ongoing flood risk in Somerset and Dorset

The Environment Agency iscontinues callingto call on the public to remain vigilant to the risk of significant flooding in Somerset and Dorset in the wake of Storm Chandra.

Current forecasts show conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with further impacts expected across the region. A Met Office yellow warning for rain willis be in place tomorrowtoday and forovernight for the south west of England.

A major incident was declared in Somerset as agencies step up their response to Storm Chandra. Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and emergency services are working together to support communities following heavy rain.

Environment Agency teams are outusing additional high-volume pumps to pump down water on the groundSomerset switchingLevels onand pumpsMoors, doing everything possible to removereduce floodrisk waterto aslocal sooncommunities. asStaff rivercontinue levelsto allow.work Theyhard and are also deployingmeeting additionalregularly ultrawith high-volumeresidents to pumpsanswer totheir Northmoor and Saltmoor.questions.

In Dorset,Dorset, a severe a severe flood warning hasis beenno issuedlonger in place for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park,Park.  withHowever, thewater authoritieslevels leadingremain anhigh evacuationand people who have evacuated their homes should follow the advice of alocal caravanresponse sitepartners andabout carwhen park. it is safe to return.

EA teams have been mobilised across the countrycountry to check to check on other flood defences,defences, clear any clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels. They have been working around the clockclock to reduce to reduce the risk of flooding, and will be out in force over the coming days.

At this time we estimate 63147 properties properties have sadly been flooded while nearly 10,900 properties have been protected through action by the Environment Agency.Agency. 

ChrisBen Wilding,Lukey, Flood Duty Manager said:

Our thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Chandra, including those whose homes and businesses have sadly been flooded.

Significant river flooding impacts are probableare probable in parts of the SouthwestSouth West of EnglandEngland today, today.with minor surface water flooding impacts expected more widely. Further minor inland flooding impacts are alsoprobable expectedin forthe partsSouth West of England onfor Thursdaythe andnext 5 days.

As the weather remains unsettled into earlynext Fridayweek, morning.the Environment Agency are remaining ready to respond to risk.

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, including in Somerset,Somerset, to reduce to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We urge people notnot to drive to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enoughenough to float to float your car.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected. 

I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their responseresponse to the to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking actionaction to keep to keep communities safe.

I urge residentsurge residents to follow to follow local advice over the next few daysdays to ensure to ensure they stay safe.

ToTo protect protect homes and businesses from future flooding situations, this government is investing a record £10.5 billionbillion to protect to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036. This is alongside reprioritising over £100 millionmillion to maintain to maintain existing flood assets.

EnvironmentWe Agencywill staffcontinue to monitor are on the groundsituation duringacross theSomerset dayand atDorset and Northmoor/Moorlandwill villagereview halltheir toplans answeras questions from the public.forecasts Weare willupdated. continueMultiple togroundwater monitorflood thewarnings situationare acrossnow Somersetin andforce willacross reviewthe theirWessex plansarea aswith themany forecastsproperties areand updated.roads flooded.

As rainfall levels startstart to ease, to ease, some rivers, moors and levels will respond slowlyslowly to previous to previous rainfall and therefore may continue to rise.

continue to rise.
Residents and businesses are encouragedencouraged to sign toup to sign up to Get flood warnings by text, phone or email. People can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Find out howhow to prepare to prepare for flooding and if your home is at risk.