Heavy rain forecast – some flooding possible and travel disruption likely

A Met Office yellow weather warning for rain across Somerset comes into effect from midnight tonight through to noon tomorrow (Thursday).

There are already flood alerts in place across Somerset and we are expecting some flood warnings to be stood up shortly. This comes on the back of significant rainfall in recent days, which means river levels have not had a chance to recede. Areas of particular concern are Shepton Mallet, Croscombe, Frome and Midsomer Norton in Mendip, West Somerset and South Somerset around Donyatt/Ilminster.

Please check here to see areas at highest risk

Situation overview 

• Around 20-25mm rain expected on Mendips, 12mm on the wider Somerset area.
• Likely to be up to 10 flood alerts in place by the morning plus at least three warnings as water moves through the system.
• The Environment Agency has warned of the potential for some flooding to premises as well as travel disruption. Shepton Mallet, Croscombe and Frome in particular are a concern, as well as Donyatt, and the West Somerset area.
• Our Civil Contingencies Unit (CCU) is liaising with the flood warden in Croscombe and is monitoring the situation closely with regard to standing up volunteers if necessary.
• It is anticipated the A358 could close near Donyatt.
• New Road, Cutts Road and the Langport to Muchelney road are already closed.
• Our CCU team is continuing to liaise with the EA and the situation will be monitored throughout the night.
• There is the potential for warnings and alerts to remain in place across the weekend due to continued wet weather.
• The EA has suggested the Levels and Moors are not a major concern at this point, but some road closures are likely around Langport.
• Across Somerset we are anticipating some road closures tomorrow morning.
• Communications have shared across social media channels warning and informing posts throughout this afternoon.
• Flooding and travel updates will be shared from early Wednesday 21 February to help inform the public.

 The forecast

Unfortunately, the wet weather is set to continue – slightly less prolonged but fairly intense rain on Thursday, followed by more showers across Friday and the weekend. The Met Office reports that we are not likely to see a stretch of dry weather until later next week.

Schools

School closures due to flooding will be listed here School closures (somerset.gov.uk)

Flooding and roads – key information

Heavy rain and flooding present a clear and present danger to drivers – road users are urged NOT to attempt to drive across flooded roads as it is not possible to estimate the depth of the water reliably.

It’s vital to prepare for wet conditions if you have to travel and to proceed with extreme caution if you get caught in flood conditions – you can find information and advice here: Adverse weather conditions (somersetroadsafety.org)

If you spot a problem with a drain or gully, or any issue on the highway you can report it easily and quickly here –  Report a problem on the road (somerset.gov.uk).

What to do during a flood

There is information to help you on what to do during a flood on the Somerset Prepared website.  The key point is to always stay safe, in an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.   

 How to report

We’re encouraging people to get in touch if they are affected. Anyone who has experienced property flooding can report it online:

https://swim.geowessex.com/somerset/

Also email: flooding@somerset.gov.uk  so Somerset Council can gather information about flood prone areas.