FLOOD warnings and alerts are in place across Somerset after a weekend of snow and heavy rain.
The Environment agency can issue flood alerts, warnings and severe warnings. Flood alerts mean that a flood is possible, warnings mean that a flood is likely, and a severe warning means that there could be a risk to life and disruption in communities.
Flood warnings
River Yeo from Sherbourne to Yeovil
This warning covers New Road in Sherborne to the Old Mill Farm area near Yeovil including the Smiths Bridge area near Bradford Abbas, Broadclose Farm, Yeovil Junction Station and Sharmans Bridge area, Newton Surmaville, Chudleigh Mill and Yeobridge Trade Park near Yeovil.
The environment agency says “River levels are peaking at the Pen Mill gauge and are expected to cause flooding this morning. Flooding is expected when river levels are at their highest from 9am on Monday, January 6.
“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Yeo, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around South Street, Ludborne Road and Sherborne Sewage Treatment Works in Sherborne and the Mole Valley Farmers area on the Sherborne Road near Yeovil.
“We are clearing debris from weed screens and closely monitoring the situation. Weather conditions are expected to improve this afternoon.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“Stay away from floodwater - it contains hidden dangers such as open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals.
“This message will be updated by noon on January 6, or as the situation changes.”
River Brue and Glastonbury Millstream from Lovington to Highbridge
“Levels on the River Brue at Lovington have risen again due to the heavy rain overnight. However, they are forecast to peak mid-morning and fall again.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall and river levels.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
Flood alerts
Somerset coast at Porlock Weir
This alert covers the coastline between Gore Point and Hurlstone Point including Porlock Weir.
The environment agency says “Strong winds and large waves at the high tides today may lead to flooding.
“Flooding is possible around the high tides at 11am and 11.30pm today, Monday January 6.
“Be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.
“The detailed tidal forecast for those who use it is for a peak level at Hinkley Point. The first forecast high water is at 11.am with a level of 5.27 mAODN with north-westerly moderate gale force 7 winds. The second forecast high water is at 11.30pm with a level of 4.50 mAODN with gusts of westerly force 7 winds. (mAODN is height above average sea level.)
“We do not expect to see similar impacts from the high tides tomorrow onwards but are closely monitoring the situation.
“We will remove, or update, this message by 10am on Tuesday January 7.”
West Somerset Streams
This alert covers Horner Water, River Aller, Washford River and the Hawkcombe, Monksilver and Doniford Streams and tributaries.
The environment agency says “Flooding is possible as the rivers in West Somerset have risen due to the heavy rain fallen overnight.
“We anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land and roads throughout today.
“More rain is forecast from Wednesday so there is a risk of further flooding this week, with this Flood Alert potentially remaining in force.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 10am on Tuesday January 7, or if the situation changes.”
River Tone Catchment
This alert covers River Tone from Clatworthy Reservoir to Currymoor, the Hillfarrance Brook, the Halsewater Stream and other tributaries in the River Tone catchment.
“Flooding is possible as the River Tone and its tributaries have risen, due to the heavy overnight rain.
“We anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land and roads throughout today.
“More rain is forecast throughout the week, so there is a risk of further flooding this week, with this Flood Alert potentially remaining in force.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 10am on Tuesday January 7, or if the situation changes.”
Flood alert for Lower Tone and Parrett Moors
This covers Lower Rivers Tone and Parrett including West Moor, Hay Moor, Curry Moor, Stan Moor, Salt Moor and North Moor.
“Overtopping and flooding into Currymoor Reservoir has started, as the River Tone rose due to the heavy rain overnight and this morning.
“Water will enter via Hookbridge spillway whilst the River level exceeds 7.45m.
“Cutts Road floods when the Currymoor Drain level is above 5.75m, and New Road when the Drain level is above 6.18m.
“For the latest river and drain levels refer to https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels.
“More rain is forecast this week, so there is a risk of further flooding, with this Flood Alert remaining in force.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Refer to @TravelSomerset for information on local road closures.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 10am on Tuesday January 7, or if the situation changes.”
Bridgwater, Cannington and Combwich rivers
This covers Huntworth Business Park Rhyne, Stockmoor Rhyne, Hamp Brook and Durleigh Brook in Bridgwater, Cannington Brook at Cannington, Combwich Brook at Combwich and the Stogursey area.
“Flooding is possible as the Cannington Brook has risen due to heavy rain overnight and this morning.
“We anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land, roads or paths throughout today.
“Showers are forecast today and tomorrow.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 10am on Tuesday January 7, or if the situation changes.”
North Somerset area
This alert covers Rivers in North Somerset including Congresbury Yeo, Cheddar Yeo, Axe and tributaries.
“Flooding is possible as the River [Congresbury] Yeo and its tributaries have risen, due to the heavy overnight rain.
“With further showers forecast, we anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land and roads throughout today.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
River Chew
This alert covers River Chew from Chew Stoke to Keynsham, Chew Stoke Stream and Winford Brook.
“Rising river levels this morning may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible from 11am on Sunday January 5.
“Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Chew, Winford Brook, Chew Stoke Stream, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around the fords on Mill Lane and Pilgrims Way in Chew Stoke and The Batch and Dumpers Lane in Chew Magna.
“Further rainfall is forecast this afternoon.
“We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and checking rivers for blockages. Monitor your local water levels and weather conditions. Please do not drive through floodwater as bow waves may affect adjacent properties.
“Don't put yourself or others at risk.
“This message will be updated by 10am on Monday, January 6, or as the situation changes.”
East Somerset Rivers
The area this alert covers are the Rivers Brue, Sheppey, Glastonbury Millstream and North and South Drains.
“Flooding is possible as the river Brue, and its tributaries are still high, due to the heavy overnight rain.
“With further showers forecast, we anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land, roads and buildings, particularly in the Lovington area, throughout today.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 10am on Tuesday January 7, or if the situation changes.”
South Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches
This covers Rivers Parrett and Isle and tributaries.
“Flooding is possible as the Rivers Parrett, Isle and tributaries have risen, due to heavy overnight rain.
“We anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land and roads throughout today.
“Showers are forecast for today and tomorrow.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
South East Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches
The alert covers River Yeo from Sherborne to Yeovil, River Wriggle, Barwick Stream, West Coker Stream and the River Cam.
“Flooding is possible as the rivers Yeo, Cam, and tributaries have risen, due to heavy overnight rain.
“We anticipate river overtopping and flooding of riverside land, roads and buildings, particularly in and downstream of the Sherborne area, throughout today.
“Showers are forecast for today and tomorrow.
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
River Yeo and River Parrett Moors around Muchelney and Thorney
This alert covers the River Yeo and River Parrett Moors including access from Langport, Law Lane from Drayton, Law Lane from Thorney, Wetmoor Lane from Long Load and properties in Muchelney, Muchelney Ham and Thorney.
“The Parrett, Yeo, Isle and tributary rivers have risen as a result of the heavy rain last night and this morning. Water is overtopping and flooding the surrounding low-lying moors. With more rain forecast overnight, we expect this Alert to continue tomorrow and perhaps the next few days.
“Flooding will affect the road from Langport to Muchelney if this drain level exceeds 7.3m, the road from Muchelney to Long Load above 7.86m, the road from Muchelney to Thorney above 7.93m and the road from Muchelney to Draycott, Law Lane, above 8.8m. Property flooding is possible above 8.35m.
“For the latest river and drain levels refer to https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Refer to @TravelSomerset for information on local road closures.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 5pm on Monday, January 6, or if the situation changes.”
Rivers Yeo and Parrett, downstream of Yeovil to Steart
This alert covers the River Yeo from downstream of Yeovil to Langport, the River Parrett from Langport to Steart, the Rivers Cary and Sowy, the Kings Sedgemoor Drain and other rhynes and drains in the area.
“The Parrett, Yeo and tributary rivers have risen as a result of the heavy rain at the weekend. Water is overtopping and flooding the surrounding low-lying moors, and the Parrett Relief channel is running.
“With further showers forecast, we anticipate this Flood Alert will remain throughout today, and probably the next few days.
“For the latest river and drain levels refer to https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels
“We are closely monitoring rainfall, river levels and the overall situation.
“Refer to @TravelSomerset for information on local road closures.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
“This message will be updated by 10.30am on Tuesday January 7, or if the situation changes.”