STORM Darragh has been forecast to bring “potentially damaging” winds and heavy rain across the South West with the Met Office issuing an amber wind warning for Saturday, December 7.
Wind warning
Potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Darragh have been forecast across South West England including in Somerset, Devon and North Somerset.
Gusts of 70 to 80mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst guests of 60 to 70mph are likely inland.
A yellow warning for wind remains in effect until 6am on Sunday morning.
Rain warning
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for rain for the region which will start from 3pm on Friday, December 6.
The warning will be in place until 6am on Sunday, December 8.
Around 15-25 mm of rain may fall quite widely, and winds may quite widely gust to around 40-50 mph inland but locally could gust in excess of 60 mph, whilst around coasts, winds may gust to 60-70 mph, perhaps locally nearer 80 mph, the latest forecast warns.
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What should you expect?
The Met Office have said there is a “good chance” that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such a mobile phone coverage.
Damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs may occur and flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life.
Road and bridge closures and cancellations of public transport services should also be anticipated.
Injuries and danger to life is also likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
Be careful
Driving in these conditions can be dangerous,” a spokesperson for the Met Office said.
They advise that anyone drive must do so slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts.
Being outside in high winds can make you vulnerable to injury so staying indoors is also advised.
The authorities also recommend preparing for power cuts in advance by gathering torches and batters, mobile phone power packs and other essential items.
Flooding
Flood warnings are also in place across Somerset with Storm Darragh just around the corner.
Flooding expected - act now warnings
Curry Moor and Hay Moor
Heavy rain was forecast for Wednesday evening into Thursday, December 5. A longer period of rain is forecast to arrive during Friday.
Flood warnings are in place for: West Moor, Hay Moor and Curry Moor including New Road between North Curry and the A361, and Cutts Road at East Lyng.
The flooding of low-lying land and roads near the River Tone and on Curry Moor is expected.
Pumping works are underway at Currymoor and will continue whilst the river levels allow. Pumping works will also being carried out at Northmoor, Saltmoor and Stanmoor when required.
New Road and Cutts Road both remain closed.
River Brue and Glastonbury Millstream from Lovington to Highbridge
Rising river levels are expected to cause flooding on the morning of Thursday, December 5 – with further flooding expected tomorrow (Friday, December 6) as river levels rise due to forecast rainfall.
The flood warning areas are: Tootle Bridge, Catsham, Church Moor and Baltonborough, Street Dove, the B3151 Glastonbury to Mear road, Westhay Bridge and Tadham Moor.
Flooding is expected when rivers are at their highest from 8.30am and the flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Brue, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected.
Particularly vulnerable areas are around roads in Catsham Cowbridge and West Lydford and the B3151 Glastonbury to Meare road.
Properties on Dyehouse Lane, Glastonbury are at risk from the Glastonbury Millstream and overtopping is forecast at Baltonsborough.
Flooding is possible – be prepared
North Somerset area
Heavy rain was forecast overnight on Wednesday, December 4 and into Thursday, December 5 (today).
The flood warning areas are: Rivers in North Somerset including Congresbury Yeo, Cheddar Yeo, Axe and tributaries.
The river level on the Congresbury Yeo at Iwood is expected to rise above flood alert threshold.
Flooding of roads and low-lying land is possible, property flooding is not expected.
Road authorities advise avoiding low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.
East Somerset Rivers
Rainfall overnight has resulted in rising river levels this morning that may lead to flooding of East Somerset rivers.
Flooding is possible from 8.30am onwards.
The flood alert areas are: River Brue, Sheppey, Glastonbury Millstream and North and South Drains.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations with low lying land and roads.
Further flooding is possible tomorrow (Friday, December 6) as river levels are forecast to rise due to heavy rainfall.
River Cale and tributaries
Further flooding is possible today (December 5) as river levels are expected to remain high due to heavy rainfall.
Flood alert areas: Tributaries between Shalford and Southmarsh and the confluence with the River Stour.
Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Cale, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected – particularly around tributaries between Shalford and Southmarsh and the confluence with the River Stour.
Rivers Yeo and Parrett, downstream of Yeovil to Steart
Heavy rain was forecast for the evening of Wednesday, December 4 and into Thursday, December 5. A longer period of rain is forecast to arrive on Friday.
The flood alert remains in force due to "significant water on the Somerset Levels and Moors."
Areas most at risk include the Ilchester to Yeovilton road near the runway, the Mudford to Limington road and the road at the south end of Westover Trading Estate.
Authorities warn to be aware of local water levels and conditions and avoid using low lying footpaths close to rivers.
Flood alert area: River Yeo from downstream of Yeovil to Langport, the River Parrett from Langport to Steart, the Rivers Cary and Sowy, the Kings Sedgemoor Drain and other rhynes and drains in the area.
West Somerset Streams
Following the overnight rainfall, the Washford River in Beggearn Huish remains high.
A band of further rain is forecast for the afternoon of Thursday, December 5 (today) from 2pm and more rain is expected on Friday and Saturday.
The flooding of low lying land and roads near the Washford River is possible during Thursday afternoon.
Flood alert areas: Horner Water, River Aller, Washford River and the Hawkcombe, Monksilver and Doniford Streams and Tributaries.
Flooding may also affect locations near the Horner Water, River Aller, Hawkcombe Stream, Monksilver Stream and Doniford Stream.
No property flooding is expected.
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