Environment Agency warns of ongoing flood risk in Somerset and Dorset

The Environment Agency continues to 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 is in place today and overnight for the south west of England.

A major incident was declared in Somerset on Tuesday January 27th as agencies stepstepped up their response to Storm Chandra. Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and emergency services are working together to support communities following heavy rain.

EnvironmentAdditional Agencypumps teamshave arebeen usingbrought additionalonline high-volumeby pumpsEnvironment toAgency pumpteams downin waterlocations onacross the Somerset Levels and Moors,Moors doingand everythingcontinue possible to reducerun riskwith tothe localwater communities.situation beginning to stabilise. Staff continue to work hardon the ground and are alsoregularly meeting regularly with residents to answer their questions.

In Dorset, a severe flood warning is no longer in place for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park.  However, water levels remain high and people who have evacuated their homes should follow the advice of local response partners about when it is safe to return.

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

At this time we estimate 147 properties206 haveproperties sadlyhave been beenrecorded as flooded floodedand whileover nearly16,100 10,900have been properties have been protected through action by the Environment Agency. defences. 

Ben 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 and groundwater flooding impacts are probablepossible but not expected in parts of the SouthSouthwest West of England today,England withover minorthe surfacenext waterfive floodingdays. impacts expected more widely. Further minor inland flooding impacts are also probable inmore thewidely Southtoday Westand ofat Englandleast foruntil theTuesday next 5 days.week.

As the weather remains unsettled into next week, the Environment Agency are remaining ready to respond to risk.

Environment Agency teams are out onout on the ground, including running additional ultra-high volume pumps in Somerset, to reduceSomerset, to reduce the impact of floodingof flooding and support those communities affected. We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

As the weather remains unsettled into next week, the Environment Agency are remaining ready to respond to risk.

We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough 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 response to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.

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

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

We will continue to monitor the situation across Somerset and Dorset and will review their plans as the forecasts are updated. Multiple groundwater flood warnings are now in force across the Wessex area with many properties and roads flooded.

As rainfall levels start to ease, some rivers, moors and levels will respond slowly to previous rainfall and therefore may continue to rise.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up to up to Get flood warnings by text, phone or email. People can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

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