Somerset Council has confirmed the major incident declared on Tuesday 27 January remains in place, with partners meeting several times a day and a coordination cell at Bridgwater Police Station. Further rain is expected and the council warns that additional property flooding is possible on the Levels and Moors. (somerset.gov.uk)
The Environment Agency (EA) says flood risk remains elevated in Somerset and Dorset following Storm Chandra. EA teams report additional high‑volume pumps operating across the Somerset Levels and Moors, ground staff engaging residents, and a generally stabilising water picture despite unsettled conditions and a Met Office yellow warning for rain. (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. People who evacuated should return only when advised it is safe by local partners. (gov.uk)
EA estimates indicate 206 properties have been recorded as flooded to date, while more than 16,100 have been protected by defences. These figures will be updated as incident reviews continue. (gov.uk)
Operational activity continues across Somerset’s at‑risk communities. The council has redeployed staff, maintained welfare checks and door‑to‑door support in higher‑risk locations, and sustained multi‑agency coordination with the Environment Agency and emergency services. (somerset.gov.uk)
EA guidance notes that significant river and groundwater impacts are possible but not expected in parts of the South West over the next five days; minor inland flooding impacts are probable more widely. The Agency reiterates the safety message not to drive through flood water. (gov.uk)
Residents and businesses should register for free EA flood warnings and use Floodline (0345 988 1188) for updates. Government guidance sets out practical steps for preparedness, including making a personal or business flood plan and protecting key documents and medicines. (gov.uk)
Ministers point to longer‑term investment: the government has committed at least £10.5 billion to flood defences by 2035/36, aiming to protect nearly 900,000 properties, and has reprioritised over £100 million for urgent maintenance of ageing assets. (gov.uk)
For communities across the Wessex area, saturated catchments and high groundwater mean some locations will drain slowly even as rainfall eases. Local Environment Agency updates highlight widespread impacts following heavy totals, with several roads affected and river levels remaining responsive. (sherborne-tc.gov.uk)
Policy Wire takeaway for practitioners: keep incident rotas and welfare support in place through the weekend, maintain pump readiness on the Levels and Moors, and continue targeted communications to evacuated residents about re‑entry timing via official EA and council channels. (somerset.gov.uk)