Heavy rain brings flood warnings and road closures

Road closures are in place, and flood warnings have been issued in parts of Somerset and Wiltshire after heavy rainfall.

In Somerset, the A361 from East Lyng to Burrowbridge, Cutts Road from East Lyng to Athelney, Langport Road from Muchelney to Langport and New Road from West Lyng to North Curry have been closed.

A Met Office yellow warning for rain, covering large parts of the West Country that have already had persistent rain over the weekend, is in place from 15:00 GMT on Monday until 12:00 GMT on Tuesday.

The Environment Agency (EA) has asked people to drive carefully, pay attention to signs and find alternative roads where necessary.

The EA has issued nine flood warnings across Somerset.

Pumps have been deployed to Northmoor and Currymoor as a precaution while the EA monitors water levels.

An EA spokesperson said: "The Somerset Levels and Moors experienced several heavy bands of rain this week – with more rainfall forecast next week.

"The Environment Agency and Somerset Council are working hard to protect people and property.

"It could be a few days before river levels drop to permit pumping but once they do we will be ready to make the most of the opportunity."

Somerset Council said it would keep residents updated through its social media channels.

A warning is in place for residents in Wiltshire living near the River Ebble.

The EA said flooding is expected in the Ebble Valley area, including Berwick St John, Ebblesbourne Wake, Bowerchalke, Broad Chalke, Stoke Farthing, Bishopstone, Stratford Toney, Coombe Bissett, Homington, Odstock and Nunton.

It added that the groundwater level at the Down Barn borehole had risen to 73.1m and was expected to rise further over the coming days.

Residents are advised to take precautionary measures to protect their properties and to ensure that water pumps work where they have been installed.

The EA warned that there is also a risk of inundation of septic tanks and sewer systems.

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