“Water levels stabilising”: Somerset Levels and Moors flood briefing 30 January 2026
This is a briefing prepared on Friday 30 January 2026 by local Environment Agency staff.
In summary, water levels across the Somerset Levels and Moors are stabilising, although the weather remains unsettled. Two further pumps have been installed at Northmoor – pictured at the top of this page – bringing the total to eight. At Saltmoor, three additional pumps are operating. Two pumps installed at Elson Clyse should be operational today. Pump installation is underway at Westonzoyland, and is due at Haymoor on Saturday. Pumps are being arranged for installation at Dunball for next week.
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
As we [=all of us] head into the weekend, water levels across the Somerset Levels and Moors are stabilising. Recent rainfall is keeping river levels high, and all spillways continue to operate. There are currently 6 Flood Warnings and 11 Flood Alerts in place across Somerset. We [=the Environment Agency and partners] encourage people to continue to check details daily.
The weather remains unsettled with further yellow weather warnings in place for rain. The ground is saturated so catchments will respond quickly.
We [= the Environment Agency] are working against relatively small spring tides next week with our pumping operations. We will maximise opportunities to pump water out of the moors when river levels allow and our teams continue working 24/7. We are also using the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to help move water out of the catchments.
Thank you for your patience yesterday with the overnight road closure.
Across the whole of Somerset, the number of properties flooded remain around 50 properties. We continue to work closely with our partners to support affected households. Please check Travel Somerset for updates on the road network.
What we’re doing
Two pumps have now been installed at Elson Clyse and should be operational today.
In Saltmoor, three additional pumps are operating – see below:
Two further pumps have been installed at Northmoor, bringing the total to eight.
Pump installation is underway at Westonzoyland – see below – and is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Haymoor.
Pumps are being arranged for installation at Dunball for next week.
We are urgently reviewing flow restrictions to ensure we can get as much water to pumping stations as possible.
We’ll be at Moorland Village Hall tomorrow 31/01/26 between 1030 – 1300.
What you need to do
To ensure your safety, please do not walk or drive through flood water. Flood water may be deeper than it looks and contain sewage and hidden hazards.
We encourage you to report any property 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.
Since a major incident was declared, multi-agency response to the flooding has been stepped up.
For welfare needs, including animal welfare, please contact Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224.
Preparing for flooding
Sign up for flood warnings at gov.uk/get-flood-warnings
Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for updates, to sign up for warnings, or to report flooding
Visit 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 to:
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 gov.uk/help-during-flood or somersetprepared.org.uk for guidance