“Risk of flooding greatly reduced”: Somerset Levels & Moors briefing 1 February 2023
This is a briefing prepared on Wednesday 1 February by local Environment Agency officers, as the situation on the Somerset Levels and Moors returns to normal for this time of year.
This briefing describes activities being carried out by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency is a partner in Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), 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.
“All spillways have stopped running and river levels are stable. We [= the Environment Agency] are continuing to pump at all stations, with most moors having returned to their normal winter levels.
“In areas where the water does not have a route to drain to ditches due to the profile of the land, for example where fields are lower in the centre, there may still be standing water. This will gradually soak away into the ground.
“Monk’s Leaze Clyse has been closed, with the Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain now at normal winter levels.
“The immediate risk of flooding is now greatly reduced… we will be organising activities to support the recovery from recent events.”
Download a PDF of this briefing: Environment Agency update briefing on Somerset Levels and Moors 1 February 2023
Pictured at the top of this page: Environment Agency staff including SRA Board member Emma Baker (stood centre right) with the visiting Taunton Deane Rebecca Pow (stood centre left), who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) with responsibility for flooding.
Current status
Across the Levels & Moors, two flood alerts remain in place. The weather has continued to be mostly dry, with a settled short-term forecast.
All spillways have stopped running and river levels are stable. We are continuing to pump at all stations, with most moors having returned to their normal winter levels.
Currymoor is now 9% full.
Some of the moors are still storing small volumes of water, which is reducing as pumps continue to operate.
In areas where the water does not have a route to drain to ditches due to the profile of the land, for example where fields are lower in the centre, there may still be standing water. This will gradually soak away into the ground.
Monk’s Leaze Clyse has been closed, with the Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain now at normal winter levels.
As the immediate risk of flooding is now greatly reduced, we will no longer be sending out these briefings.
However, we will be organising activities to support the recovery from recent events, and we will keep you updated as plans develop.
Whenever there is a significant flooding event, the Environment Agency reviews the circumstances that led up to the event as well as the response. This ensures that any learning can be integrated into planning for future flood events. Information and comments from the public are considered as part of this review. Please keep an eye on our social media for regular updates.
Cutts Road and New Road remain closed. Somerset County Council Highways will make the decision about when these roads are safe to open. As water recedes, we continue to urge motorists not to attempt to drive through flood water.
Message from Somerset County Council
If your home has been affected by flooding you can find advice and precautions to keep your family safe while cleaning up at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/floods[1]how-to-clean-up-your-home-safely
Flooding can cause feelings of anxiety, fear or worry. Talk to somebody about how you are feeling, if you don’t feel able to talk to friends or family you can call Mindline – Somerset’s emotional support and mental health helpline which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 01823 276 892 (local) 0800 138 1692 (freephone).
You can also find advice and information at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flooding-health[1]advice-mental-health-following-floods
Additional Information and advice
The Environment Agency on social media: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/environmentagencywessex
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnvAgencySW
Or visit: Somerset Rivers Authority
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomersetRiversAuthority
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SRAnews
Prepare for flooding in advance and stay up-to-date on weather information and warnings: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding
What to do during a flood
Information to help you on what to do during a flood is in the Useful Info section of the Somerset Rivers Authority website.
Remember: Always stay safe. In an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.
If you would like to be added to the distribution list for Somerset Levels and Moors updates, please email aceo.wessex@environment-agency.gov.uk