“Major incident” declared: briefing on Somerset Levels and Moors flooding 27 January 2026
This is a briefing prepared on Tuesday 27 January 2026 by local Environment Agency officers.
In summary, water levels are rising across the Somerset Levels and Moors following Storm Chandra. There are currently 16 flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in force across Somerset. A flood warning for Saltmoor and Northmoor including Moorland has been issued this evening (Tuesday 27 January).
Somerset Council have declared a major incident with the support and agreement of partners in the Local Resilience Forum, including the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency and Somerset Council are partners in Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), along with the Parrett and Axe Brue Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England, the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Wessex Water.
Current situation
Water levels are rising across the Somerset Levels and Moors following Storm Chandra, which brought significant rainfall totals on already saturated ground. Near Taunton, we measured the wettest 7-day period on record since the gauge was installed there in 1995.
There are currently 16 flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in force across Somerset. A flood warning for Saltmoor and Northmoor including Moorland has been issued this evening, as the threshold of flooding of low lying areas is likely to be met tomorrow morning (Wednesday 28 January).
Due to the scale of operations being carried out and the multi-agency response required, Somerset Council have declared a major incident with the support and agreement of partners in the Local Resilience Forum, including the Environment Agency. This will focus attention and resources on the flooding, and can be scaled up or down as required. The major incident has been declared as a precaution to allow resources to be shared should the response need to be stepped up.
Our staff [= the Environment Agency] are working through the night both in the field and in incident rooms to coordinate the operational response, monitor the situation, and maximise our pumping capacity.
Currymoor remains full, Westover moor is now over three quarters full, and the moors around Langport are over half full and continuing to rise. Water levels on Saltmoor and Northmoor are rising. All spillways are still running, and the moors will continue to fill.
Our pumping stations are operating whenever possible. However, pumps can only operate when there is space in the rivers to receive the water. Please avoid visiting pumping stations to allow our operational staff to focus on getting their jobs done. Unfortunately, some of our staff have been subjected to verbal abuse and threats at site whilst they work to get the pumps online. We understand that the current situation is creating anxiety and uncertainty, but this is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The weather is expected to remain unsettled for the rest of the week with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for rain on Thursday. We are monitoring the situation closely and our teams are on duty around the clock.
Our staff will be at Moorland Village Hall tomorrow 10am–4pm (Wednesday 28 January) to answer questions, along with staff from partner organisations.
What we’re doing
Northmoor and Saltmoor station are pumping at full capacity, and we are in the process of deploying additional pumps at Saltmoor, Northmoor, Elson’s Clyse and Currymoor.
We initiated deployment of these high-volume pumps ahead of trigger points being met – see Somerset Levels and Moors: reducing the risk of flooding – GOV.UK to find out more. The pump deployment is complex and requires a significant amount of equipment, logistical co-ordination, and work on the ground. Text continues below image.
National resources are being deployed, and we have also deployed mobile pumps to other areas of Somerset that have been impacted by flooding.
Progress on additional pump installations
Northmoor: Six additional pumps have been put in place with pipework being connected; we expect to be pumping by Thursday evening. Text continues below image.
Saltmoor: Three pumps are being delivered and deployed on Wednesday; we expect to begin pumping by Thursday evening.
Elsons Clyse: Pumps will be deployed on Thursday; we expect to be pumping by Friday.
Currymoor: Temporary pumps are available to be deployed once the river levels allow.
Road disruption
Northmoor: There are likely to be closures of around 20 minutes at regular intervals for pipe installation tomorrow (Wednesday 28 January).
Saltmoor: There may be short intermittent closures while equipment is unloaded
A number of roads across Somerset have been impacted by flooding. Refer to Travel Somerset for the latest road closure information.
What you need to do
We know that properties have been flooded in communities across Somerset, Dorset and Devon. We encourage people report any flooding as soon as you can.
Reporting helps organisations coordinate support and prioritise response. You can do this by calling the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60.
Preparing for flooding
Sign up for flood warnings at www.gov.uk/get-flood-warnings
Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for updates, to sign up for warnings, or to report flooding
Visit www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding for advice on what to do
During a flood
Call 999 if there is a risk to life
Report flooding
Environment Agency (main rivers or sea): 0800 80 70 60
Somerset Council (ordinary watercourses): 0300 123 2224
Wessex Water (sewers): 0345 600 4600
Check for flooding updates at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk
Visit www.gov.uk/help-during-flood or Somerset Prepared for guidance
For all enquiries, or if you would like to be added to the distribution list for Somerset Levels and Moors updates, please email WessexEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk