Flood alerts issued for Somerset ahead of thunderstorm warnings

A flood road sign
-Credit: (Image: Chris Ison/PA)


Somerset has been issued with several flood alerts as the county prepares for a weekend of rain. The Met Office has issued back-to-back yellow thunderstorm warnings with heavy downpours and strong winds on the radar.

The Environment Agency (EA) has now announced three flood alerts in the Somerset area - two in the county, and a third covering Bristol.

The first alert covers the Somerset coast at Portishead and Portbury Dock. The EA said that roads and low-lying land may flood in the area as heavy rain hits. The area most at risk includes the coastline between Portishead Point and Avonmouth. People have been urged to be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.

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The second alert covers the Somerset coast at Clevedon, including the coastline between Gullhouse Point and Marine Parade. The EA said that low-lying land, including roads, could flood and people should be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal paths.

Three flood alerts are in place across the Bristol area
Three flood alerts are in place across the Bristol area

The third alert covers the Tidal River Avon at Bristol, Pill and Shirehampton. The whole area includes the Tidal River Avon from Sea Mills to Conham in Bristol and between the Avonmouth Bridge and Shirehampton Park including Pill and Shirehampton.

The EA said a "large tidal surge" could result in flooding due to high water levels. People in the area have been warned to be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads. The EA said that flooding "is possible" across the city over the weekend.

Met Office thunderstorm warning

The Met Office has issued back-to-back weather warnings for Somerset this weekend. The forecaster has warned of heavy showers, frequent lightning strikes and strong winds tomorrow and Saturday.

There first yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in place from midday until 8pm tomorrow, Friday, September 20. A second thunderstorm warning is in place from 1am until 23.59pm on Saturday, September 21.