Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and emergency services have today scrambled to help protect residents across the county following Storm Chandra’s downpours
Authorities have declared another major incident following Storm Chandra’s rampage.
Residents across Somerset have been warned flooding is likely as the ground is saturated following Tuesday’s downpours. Dozens of properties in Somerset have been damaged by flooding already this week but more devastation is expected, authorities stressed.
“Please avoid travelling if you can and never attempt to drive through flood water. The weather forecast remains challenging so we will be working with colleagues in the emergency services to ensure we are prepared should the situation continue to deteriorate,” Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans, said.
His damning message comes as the M5 remains closed due to flooding just south of Somerset, forcing drivers on lengthy diversions to reach Exeter and other cities and towns.
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Agencies have stepped up their response to Storm Chandra across the country, including in Somerset. The Southwest of England endured the worst of the tempest on Tuesday with more than 50mm of rain falling in Hurn, Dorset.
Somerset Council, controlled by the Liberal Democrats, said the risk of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors “remains high as rainwater moves through the system”. There are 99 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 260 flood alerts, where it is possible, across England, including several in Somerset.
Councillor Revans added: “Our priority is to support our most vulnerable residents and to make sure people are aware that help is available. We are very aware of the potential impact that this amount of rain in the upper catchment will have on those who live on the Somerset Levels and Moors and our partners in the Environment Agency are working hard to make sure that the right response is in place to minimise the impact on vulnerable homes and communities. Somerset Council is putting contingency plans in place to prepare to support residents should the worst happen.
“The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond to this ongoing situation. Storm Chandra brought more than 50mm of rain to parts of Somerset last night, on top of already saturated land, and this has caused widespread disruption. We know many communities have been impacted and our thoughts go to all those experiencing flooding.”
Dozens of schools were closed in Somerset alone due to the weather on Tuesday, with some closures still expected today there and elsewhere. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for ice covering much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and southern and central Scotland. People living in these areas, such as the East of England, should take care on untreated surfaces to avoid injury.
