Somerset flood alerts issued as Storm Bert batters region

Several flood alerts have been issued across Somerset today as Storm Bert brings strong winds and rainfall across the UK. Flood alerts were issued by the Environment Agency this morning (Saturday, November 23) meaning that flooding is likely across the majority of the South West region.

The adverse weather conditions have resulted in power cuts across the region and the M48 Severn Bridge closing. There have been increased reports of congestion as the storm continues to bring havoc across Somerset and beyond.

There are ten flood alerts that have been issued across Somerset in areas near rivers that are prone to flooding. The alerts are listed below:

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• Exmoor Rivers

• Lower Exe area

• Mid Devon Rivers

• Middle Exe area

• North Dartmoor Rivers

• River Axe area

• Rivers Clyst and Culm and their tributaries

• Rivers Otter and Sid, and Exmouth area

• South East Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches

• South Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches

Members of the public are urged to take care in areas which may be affected by flooding. Information will be updated on the Environment Agency’s website.

The Met Office’s weather forecast for today said: “Storm Bert bringing a widely unsettled and potentially disruptive day with heavy, persistent rain and gales, severe along coasts. Turning noticeably milder, resulting in a rapid melt of lying snow. Maximum temperature 16 °C.”

The Met Office described tonight’s forecast as: “Remaining unsettled this evening and overnight with further spells of heavy rain, becoming persistent again by dawn. Staying very windy and mild. Minimum temperature 10 °C.”