“Significant rainfall and impacts”: Somerset Levels and Moors briefing 4 December
This is a briefing prepared on Monday 4 December by local Environment Agency officers, about the day’s significant rainfall (up to 67 millimetres in 24 hours) and its significant impacts.
This briefing concentrates on the Somerset Levels and Moors, and touches particularly on questions of capacity for water working its way through the system. Scroll down, and it also includes some news about two public events at Burrowbridge and Moorland village halls in December. These events are being organised by the Environment Agency with Somerset Council and Somerset Rivers Authority.
The Environment Agency is a partner in Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), along with Somerset Council, the Parrett and Axe Brue Internal Drainage Boards, Natural England, the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Wessex Water.
Current situation
Drier weather towards the end of November resulted in river levels falling across the area. This has allowed pumping stations across the Somerset Levels & Moors to operate, and as a result, water levels on all moors have reduced significantly.
There has been significant rainfall today (Monday 4th December). As of 1700hrs, rain gauges have recorded up to 67mm of rainfall over 24 hours in Somerset. The rain has been widespread and this has caused significant impacts on the road network. [Pictured above: the A303 near Bower Hinton close to Martock, courtesy of Somerset Council].
We [= the Environment Agency] have had reports of commercial property flooding, some isolated property flooding and some impacts on community services and schools across Somerset. We would encourage any residents affected by property flooding to report this (see links at the end of this briefing).
These significant totals will work their way through the network of watercourses over the coming days. Our field teams are busy responding to reports of flooding and ensuring that assets are operating as expected. We have teams on duty 24/7 monitoring equipment and river levels.
As of 1700hrs [5pm], ten flood warnings and eleven flood alerts are in place for Somerset.
There is significant capacity in the moors for the water working through the system. Temporary pumps remain in place at Currymoor and Saltmoor. The stable crossing at Northmoor remains in place. Pumps have been removed from Elson’s Clyce and Haymoor as they are not needed at this time, but we are monitoring conditions closely and will respond if the situation changes.
Public events
This week, we are holding two events for Somerset Levels and Moors residents with a focus on flooding and preparations for winter. These events will be an opportunity to hear about some of the actions we have been taking to reduce flood risk, and a chance to access support and information to ensure we can all be as ready as we can be for winter rainfall.
The events will be held at:
Burrowbridge Coronation Hall – Tuesday 5th December 2023 from 5pm to 7pm
Moorland Village Hall – Thursday 7th December 2023 from 5pm to 7pm
Residents will also have the opportunity to speak with our partners including the Somerset Rivers Authority and Somerset Council, who are also supporting the events.
Outlook
Further rainfall is forecast overnight, but tomorrow is expected to be mainly dry. The Met Office forecast is for potentially heavy rainfall from Wednesday through to Friday, with the wettest day likely Thursday.
Flooding advice and information
Our advice to the public is to stay safe and not enter floodwater – just 30 cm of fast flowing water can move a car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet. Motorists should avoid driving through flood water as the bow wave can damage homes and car engines.
Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for updates on flooding, to sign up for flood warnings, or to report flooding.
Go to gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding or search ‘know my flood risk’ to sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings, receive information on the risk in your area and what to do in a flood.
Sign up for flood warnings at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Visit the Environment Agency website gov.uk/environment-agency which contains information on current river levels and flooding
Follow us on social media: facebook.com/environmentagencywessex
Or visit: www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk
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
Get information on what to do during a flood from:
http://www.somersetprepared.org.uk/hazard-advice/flooding
www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk/useful-info
Remember: Always stay safe. In an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.
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