UK weather: Somerset flood risk 'concern' triggers Environment Agency 'major incident'
The Environment Agency says it is "prudent to plan for the worst" as waters continue to rise across the South West in Somerset, Dorset and the Bristol area. Declaring a precautionary "major incident" allows for extra pumps to join safety efforts.
Wednesday 18 January 2023 14:25, UK
A "major incident" has been declared in Somerset due to a risk of flooding across the county.
The Environment Agency says it is not expecting homes in the area to flood imminently.
However, it has made the decision to "plan for the worst" amid growing "concern" following this week's winter weather.
Declaring a "major incident" as a precaution also allows authorities to work together to reduce the risks, according to the agency.
Extra pumps have been brought in to reduce water levels on the Somerset Levels, which are expected to improve the situation.
Pumping began on Tuesday evening near the River Barle at Northmoor to reduce the amount of water stored there.
This is until river levels allow pumping to resume at Currymoor, around an hour away, which remains full.
Flooding risks are also being monitored in Dorset and the Avon area around Bristol.
The Environment Agency's Ian Withers said: "The sight of water on the Somerset Levels and Moors is obviously a concern to those who have suffered from flooding before. Our staff continue to work to the best of their abilities to protect people and properties, install pumps and engage with communities."
Somerset is prone to flooding as much of the area is below sea level, especially between the Mendips and the Quantocks.
The county has already been affected by winter weather this week. Emergency services declared another "major incident" when a double-decker bus overturned on Tuesday morning on the icy A39 Quantock Road near Bridgwater, with dozens of Hinkley Point C workers injured in the crash.
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UK weather warnings continue
Across the UK, people have been told to brace themselves for longer journeys on roads, buses and trains, as well as disruption due to ice and snow.
Met Office yellow weather warnings for snow and ice will be in place across most western parts of the UK - with Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and South West England particularly affected - until Thursday afternoon.
Heavy snow was reported in parts of Wales and in the north of Scotland this week, with 34cm of snow falling at Loch Glascarnoch overnight on Tuesday.
While southwest England was buffeted with rain, sleet, snow and hail on Wednesday morning.
The lowest temperature recorded last night was minus -7.1C (19.22F) in Benson, Oxfordshire.
Schools have been closed in Northern Ireland and Scotland, while many opened late in Cornwall.
Certain rail routes across England were disrupted on Wednesday morning including the Gatwick Express, Southern and Merseylink lines.
People have been reminded to check conditions before they travel.