The Environment Agency is calling on the public to remain vigilant to the risk of significant flooding in Somerset and Dorset in the wake of Storm Chandra.
A major incident was declared in Somerset yesterday as agencies step up their response to Storm Chandra. Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and emergency services are working together to support communities following heavy rain.
Current forecasts show conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with further impacts expected across the region. A Met Office yellow warning for rain is in place for the south west of England - regions and local authorities affected are:
- Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Plymouth
- Somerset
- Torbay
- Wiltshire
The latest update from the Met Office says a band of rain will arrive across Cornwall on Thursday afternoon then move northeast across the warning area through the evening. The rain is only likely to last for a few hours in any one location but will be at heavy at times. A further 10-15 mm of rain is expected fairly widely, but some locations, most likely in the south of the area, could see 20-25 mm. The likelihood of impacts from these rainfall amounts is higher than normal due to saturated ground and ongoing flooding following Storm Chandra.
Environment Agency teams are out on the ground switching on pumps to remove flood water as soon as river levels allow. They are also deploying additional ultra high-volume pumps to Northmoor and Saltmoor.
In Dorset, a severe flood warning has been issued for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park, with the authorities leading an evacuation of a caravan site and car park.
EA teams have been mobilised across the country to check on other flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels.
Chris Wilding, Flood Duty Manager said:
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Chandra, including those whose homes and businesses have sadly been flooded.
“Significant river flooding impacts are probable in parts of the Southwest of England today. Further flooding impacts are also expected for parts of England on Thursday and into early Friday morning.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy commented:
“Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected.
“I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.
“To protect homes and businesses from future flooding situations, this government is investing a record £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036. This is alongside reprioritising over £100 million to maintain existing flood assets.”
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