Flood risk remains elevated across Somerset and Dorset as the Environment Agency urges people to stay alert. Unsettled weather is expected to bring further impacts, and the agency is maintaining warnings and alerts across England to reflect the pressure on rivers and drains.

At the time of issue there are 64 flood warnings and 175 flood alerts in force across the country, with additional rain and snow warnings midweek. Figures shift through the day, but the message is consistent: plan for disruption and use official updates to guide travel and daily routines.

Groundwater is the standout concern in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Because aquifers respond slowly, flooding can persist after the rain stops, keeping roads, fields and basements out of action. The Environment Agency expects significant groundwater impacts in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor impacts probable in Hampshire and West Sussex and possible in Kent, East Sussex and North Yorkshire.

On the Somerset Levels and Moors, teams acted early-installing pumps ahead of trigger points so equipment was ready the moment conditions allowed. At Dunball, new pumps are drawing down 10 cubic metres of water per second alongside the tide gate, with further units taking capacity to 15 cubic metres per second. That is roughly 15,000 litres every second redirected away from homes and businesses.

Alongside pumping, officers are clearing vegetation, removing obstructions in rivers and putting up temporary barriers where needed. Work is being coordinated with local councils, the water company and emergency responders. Drivers are being asked to turn back from flooded roads; as Flood Duty Manager Ben Lukey said, “It is extremely dangerous to drive through flood water.”

Since late January, Environment Agency data indicate around 340 properties have been recorded as flooded, while more than 22,000 have been protected by defences. These numbers will be refined as field teams verify impacts, but they show how infrastructure and round‑the‑clock operations are helping to hold the line.

In Langport, Somerset-one of the hardest‑hit communities-Floods Minister Emma Hardy met residents and responders last week. She called flooding “devastating” and urged people to follow local advice over the coming days. Ministers say the government is investing £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036, alongside more than £100 million reprioritised for maintaining existing flood assets.

For households and businesses, practical steps now reduce risk later. Sign up to Get flood warnings by text, phone or email on GOV.UK, and keep Floodline-0345 988 1188-close to hand for real‑time advice. Move valuables and electrics up high, park vehicles on higher ground where safe to do so, and check in on neighbours who may need help.

Even as rainfall starts to ease, some rivers, moors and levels will rise slowly because catchments and groundwater lag behind the weather. On the Somerset Levels, significant river impacts remain possible, and plans will be reviewed as forecasts update. The safest approach over the next few days is steady and simple: stay vigilant, avoid floodwater and use official channels for updates.