A NUMBER of flood warnings and alerts are in place in parts of Somerset this morning (Monday, December 4) as the county is deluged by heavy downpours.

Flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are in place on:

  • River Axe (Lower) from Axminster to Axmouth;
  • River Axe (Upper) from Winsham to Axminster, including Chard Junction and Weycroft;
  • River Brue and Glastonbury Millstream from Lovington to Highbridge, low lying properties;
  • River Parrett (upper) from South Perrott to Thorney.

Heavy rain falling in the area has caused the River Axe to rise. The rain will continue throughout Monday. Flooding to Riverside property and highways is expected imminently. Property flooding is expected at Chard Junction, and Axe Farm, Coaxdon and Weycroft cottages at Broom. Highway flooding is expected at Tytherleigh and Broom, the A358 crossing at Weycroft, the A35 at Yarty Bridge, the A3052 at Colyford, and Whitford to Musbury. There will be deep and fast flowing field flooding between Winsham and Axminster.

Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings.

Flood warning area: riverside locations and roads between Winsham and Axminster, including Chard Junction, Coaxden Cottages and Weycroft.Flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible,are in place on:

  • East Somerset rivers;
  • The River Axe area;
  • West Somerset streams.

In East Somerset, river levels are rising on the River Brue, River Sheppey due to heavy rainfall.

Further flooding could occur at the B3151 Glastonbury to Meare Road. Overtopping is forecast from the Glastonbury Millstream and the River Brue at North Drain and Westhay. The River Brue is forecast to be bankfull upstream of Bruton Dam with field flooding likely from 7.30am as river levels have risen.

Flooding of low lying land and some properties are possible. Overtopping is forecast from the Glastonbury Millstream and the River Brue at North Drain and Westhay. The River Brue is forecast to be bankfull upstream of Bruton Dam with field flooding likely. from 7.30am on 04/12/2023.

Further rainfall is forecast throughout the morning.

River levels are expected to remain high, but the risk of flooding to roads remains.

Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

Flood alert area: Rivers Brue, Sheppey, Glastonbury Millstream and North and South Drains.

The flood warnings and alerts coincide with a yellow rain warning across a large swathe of Somerset up until 6pn today.

The Met Office warning for heavy rain today (Monday, December 4) is advising people the rain is "likely to cause some disruption to travel".

They are warning people to expect:

  • Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible;
  • Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer;
  • Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer.