WEST Somerset escaped predicted flood chaos this morning (Friday) after high winds and storm surges failed to materialise.

The Environment Agency had issued flood warnings for the entire South West peninsula due to a potent mix of rain, wind and high tides.

But although the sea breached some sections of the coast, the forecast high winds - which could have whipped-up huge waves - largely missed the district.

Parts of the seafront in Minehead and Blue Anchor were closed around high tide times this morning as a precaution and are due to be closed again at high tide tonight (Friday) at around 5pm.

Flood warnings remain in place for Minehead, Blue Anchor, Dunster Beach, Porlock Weir, Lynmouth and Stolford.

Emergency supplies of sandbags were delivered to the district last night (Thursday), while the flood warnings will remain in place over the weekend as further storms are expected to head in from the Atlantic.

More information about flood warnings and what to do in the event of a flood is available from the Environment Agency's website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk">www.environment-agency.gov.uk.