Storm Chandra: Warning for heavy rain — what Somerset residents need to know

Overview
The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for the south of Somerset and Yellow warnings for the rest of the county ahead of Storm Chandra. Widespread heavy rain is expected later today/tonight and into Tuesday morning. Wind impacts are not expected to be as severe as Storm Goretti, but significant rainfall on already waterlogged ground raises the risk of surface water flooding, road closures and landslips.

Expected rainfall:
Most areas: 30–50 mm over the next 12–14 hours
Higher ground: 60–80 mm
Note: ground is already saturated after heavy rain this week

Flood warnings and checks:
There are four flood warnings and several flood alerts in place. Residents should check if they are at risk: Check for flooding in England – GOV.UK

Also see latest warnings and alerts: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings

Highways and road safety

• Crews are ready across the county, with extra Kier resources on standby tonight and tomorrow for reactive response.
• Major routes currently largely clear apart from the A361 (flooded). Some local/minor roads are impassable.
• The public has been asked to report flooded roads immediately and not to attempt driving through flood water.
• All emergency road closure gates are shut. Current closures include:
• A361 (East Lyng to Burrowbridge)
• Cutts Road (East Lyng to Athelney)
• Langport Road (Muchelney to Langport)
• New Road (West Lyng to North Curry)
• Higher Willand Farm, Churchstanton
• Henlade/Ruishton to Creech St Michael
• Sampford Moor Road (landslip)

Environment Agency status

• Rivers have responded rapidly to January rainfall; water is moving into the Levels and Moors.
• Curry Moor Flood Storage Reservoir is full; water flowed into the Athelney Spillway and contributed to A361 flooding.
• The Environment Agency has deployed additional temporary pumps to Currymoor, Saltmoor and Northmoor to increase pumping capacity, expected to be operational later this week.
• The EA incident room in Bridgwater is open 24/7; staff are monitoring on the ground.
• Flood warnings and alerts remain in place; further warnings are possible overnight.
• Some properties near rivers in warning areas may flood. Check your risk: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings

Forecast timing

• Amber warning began at 17:00 today. Rain intensity is expected to build around 22:00, with the most intense period between 22:00–03:00.
• Further spells of wet weather are expected through the week.

Advice for residents

• Find guidance on preparing for flooding at Flooding information and advice
• In life-threatening flooding incidents call 999.
• If you must leave your home due to flooding, take any required medication with you.
• Do not drive through flood water. See road safety guidance: Adverse weather conditions
• For school closure information visit: School closures

Reporting problems and council services

• Report flooded roads or blocked drains using our report a problem on a road form
• If your council-owned property has been affected by flooding, visit our Housing repairs page or call 0300 123 2224.
• Waste collections: crews will return to collect recycling and rubbish where access was prevented—leave boxes and bins out. Service updates will be posted on the Council website and social channels.

Stay up to date

• Travel updates: Travel Somerset Facebook page and Roadworks and travel information page
• Current status of roads with Emergency road closure gates: Find out the current status of roads that have Emergency road closure gates.

Stay safe and follow official advice.