A MAJOR incident has been declared for parts of Somerset in response to heavy rainfall and flooding as agencies step up their efforts to help residents after Storm Chandra.

Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, and emergency services are working together to support communities following overnight heavy rain and extensive flooding.

A spokesperson said although the weather looked drier for Wednesday (January 28), the risk of flooding in some parts remained high as rainwater moved through the system, while the Met Office ahd issued another yellow weather warning for heavy rain on Thursday afternoon.

With further flood warnings expected to be issued in some areas, the major incident was declared on Tuesday evening as a precaution to allow resources to be shared should the response need to be stepped up.

The major incident does not directly relate to the West Somerset and Wellington areas, but a council spokesperson said on Tuesday: “Last night brought significant rain.

“Water levels are continuing to rise and the weather continues to be wet across the next few days with heavy showers at times, and a further Met Office warning in place for Thursday.

“There is no opportunity at this point for ground to recover, it remains saturated.

“So far, it is estimated around 50 properties have been affected by flooding across Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel but this could increase in the coming days.

“Local authority liaison officers are visiting these areas to support residents.

“If your property has experienced flooding, please report it to us.”

Council leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond to this ongoing situation.

“Storm Chandra brought more than 50 mm of rain to parts of Somerset, on top of already saturated land, and this has caused widespread disruption.

“We know many communities have been impacted and our thoughts go to all those experiencing flooding.

“We have had teams working through the night and we are continuing to respond to many reports of roads which remain impassable.

“Please avoid travelling if you can and never attempt to drive through flood water.

“The weather forecast remains challenging so we will be working with colleagues in the emergency services to ensure we are prepared should the situation continue to deteriorate.

“Our priority is to support our most vulnerable residents and to make sure people are aware that help is available.

“We are very aware of the potential impact this amount of rain in the upper catchment will have on those who live on the Somerset Levels and Moors and our partners in the Environment Agency are working hard to make sure that the right response is in place to minimise the impact on vulnerable homes and communities.

“Somerset Council is putting contingency plans in place to prepare to support residents should the worst happen.”

The council spokesperson said its teams dealt with reports across the county throughout Monday night with extra resources from contactors Kier deployed, operating jetting units, clearing debris and flooded roads where possible.

A number of roads remained closed with the situation changeable, so residents were advised to check for updates on the Travel Somerset Facebook page or the roadworks and travel information page of the council website, and plan carefully before setting out.

Across the county, there were about 30 school closures on Tuesday due to the weather.

Anybody who needs to leave their home due to flooding should remember to take any medication they may need with them.

Due to the high number of inaccessible properties and the impact of road and travel disruption, waste collection crews will not be able to reach everybody.

If Tuesday’s recycling collections were missed, residents should take their boxes and bag in, and re-present their recycling on their next scheduled collection day.

For missed rubbish collections on Tuesday, crews will attempt to return later in the week, which could include a collection on Saturday (January 31).

Garden Waste collections missed on Tuesday will see crews attempt to return later in the week, which also could include a collection on Saturday.

Residents should leave their rubbish and garden bins out for a return collection.