“8 flood alerts, 3 flood warnings”: latest Somerset briefing 12 January 2023
This is a briefing prepared on Thursday 12 January by local Environment Agency officers about the current situation across Somerset, particularly on the Somerset Levels and Moors, following more heavy rain on already saturated catchments. It describes activities being carried out by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency is a partner in Somerset Rivers Authority, along with Somerset County Council (which includes Somerset Highways), the four district councils, the Parrett and Axe Brue Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England, and the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.
“Currymoor is full and Athelney Spillway is running, which will lead to flooding of the A361 once the ditch networks in Northmoor and Saltmoor are full.”
“Isolated low-lying properties could be impacted.”
“Additional pumps will be installed at Northmoor over the coming week. We are also preparing the ground to allow us to install pumps at Currymoor and Dunball if needed.”
Pictured at the top of this page: Currymoor Pumping Station. Photo courtesy of the Environment Agency.
Download PDF of briefing: Environment Agency update briefing on Somerset Levels and Moors and Somerset 12 January 2023
Background
The Somerset Levels and Moors are designed to store flood water when the rivers flowing through them over-top. The recent heavy rain has caused spillways (specifically designed low-points in the riverbanks) on the Rivers Tone and Parrett to flow and there is now water stored on the moors.
Across the whole of Somerset, there are currently eight flood alerts and three flood warnings in force.
Two of these flood warnings are on the Somerset Levels and Moors (Currymoor to Haymoor, and A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge), as well as six of the flood alerts.
Current Situation
Significant rain fell overnight across the already saturated Parrett and Tone catchments.
Rivers responded quickly, with levels in Currymoor flood storage area rising as a result. Spillways at Hook Bridge (Tone), and Beazleys and Allermoor (Parrett) are all running.
The associated pumping stations at Currymoor and upstream of Langport are all switched off, and Monks Leaze Clyse is closed. This will remain the case until river levels recede.
Currymoor is full and Athelney Spillway is running, which will lead to flooding of the A361 once the ditch network in Northmoor and Saltmoor are full.
Isolated low-lying properties could be impacted.
Somerset County Council Highways are being kept informed and they will make a decision about closing the A361. Closure decisions focus on the safety of road users. For more information: Emergency road closure gates – Travel Somerset
Pre-agreed operational trigger levels for the deployment of additional temporary pumps have already been met for Northmoor and Saltmoor.
Additional pumps will be installed at Northmoor over the coming week.
We [= the Environment Agency] are also preparing the ground to allow us to install pumps at Currymoor and Dunball if needed.
We are monitoring the situation and following our operational procedures.
Our teams are out checking our flood defences and clearing debris screens and other assets to ensure correct operation.
We are also liaising closely with partners including Somerset County Council, Avon & Somerset Police and other emergency services to ensure that local residents are informed and supported.
Water levels are high across all catchments in Somerset and we are monitoring the situation across the whole county.
Outlook
The forecast for the next few days remains unsettled, but the expected accumulations are not high. We will maximise pumping when river levels and tides allow. Currymoor reservoir can be pumped out in about 14 days with low enough river levels. It can store 17 million cubic metres of water safely.
Our trigger points plan sets out when we deploy mobile pumps.
We are taking action as the trigger has been met for Northmoor and Saltmoor pumping stations. The actions include mobilising additional pumps for these locations giving us additional capability to pump out these moors. We are also taking pre-emptive action at Currymoor pumping station and Dunball tidal doors.
The Somerset Levels and Moors are designed to store floodwater. However, the £80 million of investment since 2014 in flood risk interventions is helping us better manage the flooding. It allows us to take pre-emptive action to delay the onset of flooding and to evacuate the waters more effectively. Together this enables communities to be more resilient and to recover more rapidly from flooding.
Phone numbers for contacting the Environment Agency
Customer service line: 03706 506 506
Floodline: 03459 88 11 88
Incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60