FLOOD warnings are in place as Somerset is battered by high winds from Storm Eleanor.

The Met Office has issued a 'yellow' weather warning for wind across Somerset.

The Met Office said on its website: “Strong and at times gusty winds are expected through much of Wednesday.


READ MORE: PICTURES: Storm Eleanor batters Somerset


"Combined with a period of high tides, it's likely that some coastal communities and routes will be affected by spray and large waves, whilst there is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, roads and coastal properties, along western and southern coasts.

"There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life, as well as minor property damage, from flying debris.


READ MORE: 'Danger to life' warning as Storm Eleanor is set to batter Somerset


"There is a small chance of transport delays, route and bridge closures, and cancellations to public transport.

"As well as this, there is a small chance of disruption to power and other services.”

Forecasters warned of strong winds throughout the morning, although conditions are set to improve before the afternoon.

Meanwhile, flood warnings are currently in place up and down the Somerset coast. 

The Environment Agency says flooding is expected at the below locations and where 'immediate action' will be required:

  • Weston-super-Mare - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am on January 3. Properties in front of Weston-super-Mare seafront are at risk of flooding from spray or wave overtopping
  • Brean and Brean Down Cove - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am on January 3. The first properties to flood include Brean Down Cottages and Brean Down Caravan Park.
  • Burnham-on-Sea - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am on January 3. The first properties to flood include those along the Esplanade and South Parade.
  • Steart and Solford - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am on January 3. The first properties at risk of flooding include Chapple Cottages at Stolford and Poultry Houses at Steart.
  • Blue Anchor  - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am on January 3. The first properties at risk of flooding are the Hoburne Blue Anchor Chalets. Infrastructure at risk includes the B3191 Carhampton Road and the West Somerset Railway.
  • Dunster beaches, Lower Marsh area - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am on January 3. The first properties at risk of flooding are the Dunster Beach Chalets. 
  • Dunster beaches, seafront and chalet area - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am. The first properties at risk of flooding are the Dunster Beach Chalets. 
  • MineheadSpray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am. The first properties at flood risk include those on Quay Street and Quay West.
  • Porlock Weir - flooding is expected. Spray, overtopping and/or onshore flooding is predicted to occur as a result of high water levels, strong onshore winds and large waves. High water is forecast at 7.15am. . The first properties at risk of flooding are the Anchor Hotel, Quayside Cottages and Gibraltar Cottages.
  • Lynmouth - flooding is expected for Lynmouth over high tide on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Large waves and spray are likely and may cause localised standing water on roads near The Esplanade, Riverside Road and Lynmouth Street. Do not drive through flood water or waves. 
  • Ilfracombe - flooding is expected for Ilfracombe over the high tide on Wednesday morning. High water at Ilfracombe is at 06:30am. Large waves and spray are likely so please take care on coastal paths and promenades. Do not drive through flood water or waves. The tidal gates at Ilfracombe have been closed. Coastal conditions are expected to remain stormy until Friday (January 5). 

READ MORE: Click here for a full weather forecast


Elsewhere, Storm Eleanor is causing problems on the roads, with the following incidents reported this morning:

  • M25 - A large tree fell on to the clockwise carriageway between junctions 17 and 18, temporarily halting all traffic. Orbital partially reopened as teams removed the obstacle.
  • M5 - Northbound carriageway closed between junctions six and five due to overturned vehicle.
  • A1M - Northbound lane closure at junction four after vehicle overturned on sliproad.
  • M48 - The Severn Crossing between Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire closed between junctions one and two due to high winds. Motorists advised to use the M4 Second Severn Crossing for South Wales.
  • A14 - Closed in both directions between junctions 56 and 57 due to high winds on the Orwell Bridge. Traffic diverted through Ipswich.