A BUSY A-road running between Taunton and Glastonbury has been closed due to flooding.

The emergency road closure gate has been closed on the A361 Taunton to Glastonbury road between East Lyng and Burrowbridge.

The council took the decision to close the road late last night (Friday, January 5).

Drivers are urged to plan ahead and use an alternative route.

Somerset has been battered by Storm Henk this week. Motorists are reminded not to drive through flood water, as this could damage your vehicle and leave you stranded.

When driving in rain, motorists should leave additional stopping distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.

A Travel Somerset spokesperson said: "A361 Taunton to Glastonbury road is closed between East Lyng and Burrowbridge due to flood water.

"Please plan ahead and avoid this route.

"The emergency road closure gate is closed. We'll keep you updated."

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for Transport and Digital said: “Following 2014, emergency road closure gates were installed at eight locations, including between Burrowbridge and East Lyng on the A361, to prevent vehicles getting stuck in flood waters.  

“Out teams will continue to monitor the situation and when it is safe to do so the road will be reopened. Please use an alternative route in the meantime. 

“It’s vital that road users respect the gates and do not tamper with them. Just 30cm can float a car. Over the last few days our teams and the emergency services have seen a number of abandoned vehicles in flood water. Drivers open themselves up to the risk of being swept away and having to be rescued or getting stranded after their car engine takes in water and stops.”