STORM Chandra proved every bit as bad as predicted by the Met Office as it dumped inches of rain across West Somerset and Exmoor during Monday night into Tuesday (January 26-27).

The centre of Williton was under water early on Tuesday morning, the No 28 First Bus service between Minehead and Taunton was suspended, and several schools were closed or opening late.

In Williton, Danesfield Middle School and St Peter’s First School were forced to shut for the day.

Drains being unblocked in Williton on Tuesday morning as the village was hit by overnight flooding.
Drains being unblocked in Williton on Tuesday morning as the village was hit by overnight flooding. (George Ody)

A spokesperson said: “Many of our staff travel significant distances and conditions are currently unsafe.

“In addition, a number of bus companies are not running their services today.

“We apologise for the disruption.

“The safety of our children, families, and staff is paramount.”

Minehead First School, Minehead Middle School, and the town’s West Somerset College were all closed for the day, along with Old Cleeve First School and Lydeard St Lawrence Primary School.

The flooding in Williton subsided after Somerset Council sent teams to unblock drains to allow the water to flow away.

Mopping up operations were in progress across West Somerset on Tuesday in the wake of Storm Chandra.
Mopping up operations were in progress across West Somerset on Tuesday in the wake of Storm Chandra. (George Ody)

Bus services began running again later on Tuesday morning as the floods began receding but many minor roads remained blocked, including in Stringston, Shurton, Burton, Doniford, Washford, and West Quantoxhead.

The main A39 proved challenging in several spots between Williton and Minehead but was passable with care, and there was a similar situation heading in the Bridgwater direction.

Heading into Taunton, motorists found the B3227 near Cotford St Luke and the A358 at Cross Keys blocked.