Storm Chandra: tips for when Somerset flooding is expected
Towns, villages and rural parts of Somerset have been suffering more intense and unpredictable floods – and matters are expected to get worse – imminently.
With Storm Chandra approaching, Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) is urging people not to be complacent about flood risks.
Several flood warnings and flood alerts for Somerset have been issued by the Environment Agency, a partner in the SRA.
For the latest flood warnings and alerts, visit: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings/somerset
A list of known road closures and the latest travel advice can be found on Somerset Council’s Travel Somerset Facebook page. For information about buses, the Buses of Somerset group on Facebook can be useful for asking questions – and getting answers.
Any school closures will be published here: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/school-life/school-closures/
For all the latest weather information, visit: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
Taking steps to prepare for flooding
Flooding can have a devastating impact, as all too many people in Somerset know to their cost.
Taking steps to prepare for flooding and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce damages to homes and businesses. It can reduce risks to life. And it can reduce the chances of suffering from some kind of mental illness in the aftermath of flooding.
To help prepare for flooding, there are simple things that can be done.
The infographic below sets out some steps that can be taken.
For more information, visit the prepare for flooding page on GOV.UK. This page offers people advice about how they can find out if they are at risk of flooding, how to sign up for flood warnings, and make properties more resilient.
Further information about Somerset flooding
This is a list of useful places to find information, put together with commentary by Simon Phelps, who was for several years a member of the SRA’s Technical Group.
Flood warnings
Flood warnings are here: gov.uk check for flooding service – This particular link relates to the A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge road. The text there is quite informative about how the water management system works in this area and why the road is at risk of flooding.
Flood gates
This is the place to check which flood gates are closed: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/emergency-road-closure-gates/
However I have sometimes noticed that there is a delay in updating the website. Often you can find out when they are closed from social media, either Council channels or people sharing in various groups.
River and drain levels
You can look on gov.uk to check river or drain levels at key sites on the Somerset Levels: the example linked to here relates to places within 5 miles of Curry Moor Pumping Station: Check river and drain levels within 5 miles of Curry Moor
It is a useful place to look to see what is going on with the levels, whether they are rising or falling. It has useful information on thresholds too, so you know when spillways are going to be running. It also gives some historical context to the current levels.
Live webcams at key sites on the Somerset Levels and Moors
This website is a link to the live webcams that are at key sites on the Levels: https://thecfh.org
Many are not that relevant to look at but Hook Bridge on Curry Moor and Athelney spillway are quite useful to see what is going on in this important area.
Long-term Somerset river levels
Flood risks in general
In England there are around 6.3 million properties in areas at risk of flooding.
Over the winter of 2024-25, the Environment Agency issued over 3,000 flood alerts, over 1,600 flood warnings, and three severe flood warnings to people at risk.
Climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of floods. Yet fewer than half (45%) of those polled agreed that they had a good understanding of how to protect their home.
This is why it is more important than ever that people should know what their flood risks are, and what actions can be taken to prepare and stay safe should the worst happen.