Somerset and Dorset remain on alert as the Environment Agency warned on 29 January that significant flooding is still possible after Storm Chandra. A Met Office yellow warning for rain is in place for South West England, meaning further downpours over saturated catchments could trigger new impacts. Authorities urge people to stay vigilant and follow local advice. (gov.uk)

Somerset Council has declared a major incident to coordinate pumping, road closures and community support across the Levels and Moors. Environment Agency teams are drawing down water, switching on pumps as river levels allow, and have deployed additional ultra high‑volume pumps at Northmoor and Saltmoor to reduce risk to nearby communities. Staff are meeting residents regularly to answer questions. (somerset.gov.uk)

By Wednesday the agency estimated 147 properties had flooded while almost 10,900 were protected by flood defences and operational action. Crews are also checking barriers nationwide, clearing blockages and monitoring levels around the clock. (gov.uk)

In Dorset, the severe flood warning for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park has been lifted, but river levels remain high. Residents who evacuated are being asked to return only when local partners confirm it is safe to do so. (gov.uk)

Further bands of rain are expected through Thursday night and Friday. The Met Office says around 25 mm is possible each day in parts of the warning area, which on saturated ground could be enough to trigger additional surface and river flooding and travel disruption. (metoffice.gov.uk)

Stay out of flood water and never attempt to drive through it-30 cm of fast‑moving water can float a car. Sign up for flood warnings by text, phone or email and keep Floodline handy on 0345 988 1188. These simple steps save lives when river levels rise quickly. (gov.uk)

Updated national data shows why local alerts matter. England’s latest assessment identifies 6.3 million properties in areas at risk from rivers, the sea or surface water, with about 4.6 million exposed to surface water flooding and many facing risk from multiple sources. Across Wessex, groundwater warnings are also in force as saturated catchments respond slowly. (gov.uk)

The climate signal is clear. The Met Office’s latest stocktake finds the UK winter half‑year is now 16% wetter than 1961–1990, and rapid attribution analysis shows human‑driven climate change made the 2023–24 storm season’s heavy rain more frequent and intense. Recovery and resilience need to move together as these conditions become more likely. (metoffice.gov.uk)

Somerset has invested in practical measures since the 2013–14 floods. The Somerset Rivers Authority oversees a 20‑year plan featuring regular dredging on the Parrett and Tone and upgrades to the River Sowy–King’s Sedgemoor Drain to move water more efficiently. Construction of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier began in 2025 to cut tidal flood risk for the town and nearby communities. (somersetriversauthority.org.uk)

Nationally, ministers say at least £10.5 billion will be invested in flood defences through 2036, projected to benefit about 890,000 properties, alongside a near‑term £2.65 billion package to March 2026 for more than 1,000 schemes and urgent maintenance. The emphasis on repairing ageing assets as well as building new ones is welcome but delivery will be decisive. (gov.uk)

If your home or business has flooded, contact your insurer early and ask about Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme, which can fund up to £10,000 of resilient repairs such as raised sockets, water‑resistant plaster and flood doors. Community groups in Somerset can also apply to the SRA’s Community Flood Action Fund for local measures; the current round closes on 24 February 2026. (abi.org.uk)