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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.

Flooded fields by the River Parrett at Somerset Levels near Bridgwater in Somerset. Parts of the UK face ice and heavy rain with the potential for flooding as the holiday period continues. Picture date: Wednesday December 28, 2022.
Image: The Somerset Levels are particularly prone to flooding, as this picture from December 2022 shows
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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.

A snow plough clears the road in Carrbridge, Scotland
Image: A snow plough clears the road in Carrbridge, Scotland

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.

A woman and a child walk through falling snow in Eglinton, Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Picture date: Monday January 16, 2023.
Image: Northern Ireland had to close many of its schools
Handout photo taken with permission from Viv Robinson the Twitter feed of a snowy scene at Lower Ninnis St Day, Redruth, Cornwall looking west towards St Aubyn". Issue date: Tuesday January 17, 2023.
Image: Cornwall had its taste of snow

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.