Across the Levels & Moors, the following flood warnings remain in place:
- Salt Moor and North Moor including Moorland
- Curry Moor and Hay Moor
- A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge
We remain in Major Incident, to ensure continued focus on the Somerset Levels and Moors with enhanced partnership working.
The weather remains dry, river levels continue to fall, and all spillways have stopped running. Water levels in Currymoor reservoir, Saltmoor and Northmoor are dropping, and we are continuing to use Oath lock to divert flows from the river Parrett down the Sowy through Monksleaze Clyce.
Pumping activity is underway at Currymoor, Saltmoor, Northmoor, West Sedgemoor, Long Load, Westover, Huish Episcopi, and Midelney. In addition there are temporary pumps running at Elson’s Clyce, Haymoor, Fordgate, Kitch Drove and Bridgwater docks. At Dunball, the pumps are operational and running on high tides.
At some locations pumps are periodically running dry while water moves through the network of rhynes and ditches to the pumping station. Pumps are restarted as soon as there is enough water to resume operating. The public are reminded it is not safe to enter areas or compounds where pumping operations are underway.
With receding waters, riparian owners are requested to check and clear their culverts, gullies, gutters and ditches to ensure the free flow of water, which will assist the pumping operation and speed the evacuation of water from the moors. For more information on riparian owner responsibilities see: Owning a watercourse.
The total volume of water being stored on the Somerset Levels and Moors is down to about 27 million cubic metres. Up to 7 million cubic metres is being pumped each day, which is equivalent to 23 million bath tubs, or almost 3000 Olympic swimming pools full of water. Operational staff are out inspecting assets, with both drone surveys and onthe-ground inspections.
Thank you to those who attended our public drop-in sessions in Moorland and Burrowbridge. We hope you found them useful. In response to the improving picture and a drop in attendance, we plan to run one session this week at Moorland Village Hall. This will take place on Thursday 26th from 5-7pm.
Somerset County Council Highways are undertaking inspections of affected roads, and will make the decision about when they are safe to reopen.
As water levels recede, we continue to urge motorists not to attempt to drive through flood water, and especially on roads closed or affected by flood water.
Outlook:
There is a settled forecast for the next 5 days. Tides are at their highest today and tomorrow, but we do not anticipate that this will have a significant impact on pumping operations.
Additional Information and advice:
Due to the improving situation, the frequency of these briefings will reduce. Our next briefing will be on Wednesday 25th January. Our social media activity continues with regular updates.
Follow us on social media:
(1) Environment Agency Wessex | Bridgwater | Facebook
Environment AgencySW (@EnvAgencySW) / Twitter
Or visit:
Home – Somerset Rivers Authority
Prepare for flooding in advance and stay up-to-date on weather information and warnings: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding
What to do during a flood
Information to help you on what to do during a flood is on the Somerset Prepared Website. Remember: Always stay safe. In an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.
If you would like to be added to the distribution list for Somerset Levels and Moors updates, please email aceo.wessex@environment-agency.gov.uk
