Flood warnings remain in force as problems on the trains continue

Flood waters have receded in most areas, but the problems on the trains continue

Cheats Rd/Lipe Ln in Ruishton was closed due to flooding overnight
Author: Andrew KayPublished 5th Jan 2024

Across Somerset there's 23 flood warnings and 24 flood alerts in force - and 5 warnings and 11 alerts in Devon - as disruption continues following the recent storms and heavy rain.

South Western Railway say disruption between Exeter and Yeovil will continue at least for the rest of the day, after another landslip at Crewkerne.

Great Western Railway say 'due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Reading and Taunton is closed' and adds: "Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or diverted via Bristol Temple Meads."

Residents in parts of Glastonbury, Martock and just east of Taunton are urged to 'act now' as the Environment Agency says flooding is expected.

The latest flood warnings can be found here

The Somerset Rivers Authority's confirmed water is still too high to allow pumping of the water on the Levels.

In today's update they've said: "Currently river levels are too high to allow pumping. The Environment Agency will begin pumping as soon as there is enough room in the main river channels to receive the flood water

"The weekend is forecast to be generally dry, with clearer weather in the long-term forecast. But there is now a lot of water in river networks, which will take time to work its way through catchments."

It was a busy night for firecrews in Somerset, who rescued people from vehicles in Castle Cary, Yeovil and Bruton and near Wells. They also helped pump water out of a home in Shepton Mallet.

On Monday there's an online event tonight to discuss how Somerset's coped with the latest wave of floods.

The Somerset Rivers Authority say the event - from 7pm - is also to look at plans going forward.

Details can be found here

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