Why is Somerset Council maintaining a major incident alert?

Somerset Council is maintaining a major incident alert due to widespread flooding that has already occurred and the anticipation of further rainfall.

What measures are being taken to manage flood risks in Somerset?

Measures include opening flood relief structures, managing river flows, reducing water levels, installing contingency pumps, and clearing blockages in drainage systems.

Home / Weather / Somerset on Tenterhooks: More Rain Threatens Flooded County

Somerset on Tenterhooks: More Rain Threatens Flooded County

2 Feb

•

Summary

A yellow weather warning for rain is active for Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.
Somerset Council has maintained a major incident alert due to widespread flooding.
Authorities have implemented multiple schemes and contingency pumps for flood mitigation.

Somerset on Tenterhooks: More Rain Threatens Flooded County

A yellow weather warning for rain is in effect for Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall from 12:00 GMT today until 09:00 on Tuesday. This warning comes as a significant concern following extensive flooding from Storm Chandra, leading Somerset Council to keep a major incident alert active. The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), established after the 2014 floods, is on high alert, with Councillor Mike Stanton emphasizing the ongoing concern until river levels recede.

Currently, five flood warnings and eleven flood alerts are active across Somerset, with police support on the ground. The SRA has invested approximately £40 million in flood improvement schemes, including river dredging and drain bank reinforcement, since its inception. Stanton highlighted the need for continuous improvements, especially given climate change projections of increased rainfall.