MOTORISTS faced diversions on the A39 at Dragons Cross on Wednesday evening as torrential rain and high winds hit West Somerset.

But the temporary road closure at the location of controversial roadworks last month to improve drainage was not due to flooding problems - a fallen tree on the Minehead side of the crossroads blocked the road for a short time.

Harvey Willis, who owns the Dragons Cross Hotel, said the road was only out of action for about half an hour: "It was dealt with very quickly and there were workmen out clearing the ditches.

"Although it has yet to be put to a real test with heavy rain, the improvements carried out in November appear to be working," he said.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said highways teams received 85 calls across the county reporting flooding, fallen trees and road accidents.

"Most A roads remained open although there were some short closures to remove trees and power lines," he said.

"The recent drainage improvements at Bilbrook appear to have worked well and the road was not closed at that location due to flooding, so a job well done."