Friday 24 January 2014
Weather forecast
Friday: Light rain/drizzle (up to 12mm)
is expected until approximately 20:00.
Saturday: Saturday is expected to be
dry, with the possibility of occasional showers.
Sunday: A thin band of rain, with
possible intense showers, is expected between 09:00 to 15:00. This
rain will last for 4 to 6 hours. 10-15mm of rain is expected.
General information
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY SANDBAGGING OF
DEFENCES BETWEEN BURROWBRIDGE AND HUNTWORTH ON THE RIVER PARRETT TO
REDUCE FLOOD RISK
We are continuing with works to the
banks of the River Parrett. We are placing large dumpy bags of clay
material, on the left bank of the River Parrett just downstream of
the main Road Bridge at Burrowbridge and working downstream towards
Newhouse Farm. The dumpy bags will provide additional protection in
time for the high tides which could further affect levels on the
Parrett towards the end of next week.
Those residents directly affected are
aware of the work. We are not looking to close the roads but wanted
to raise awareness of our working locations and possible disruption.
Works are likely to continue until Saturday and there may be some
access disruption to Huntworth Lane downstream of Moorland.
We will have field staff positioned to
advise road users of possible delays and alternative routes within
the area.
Flooding situation
There are still five flood warnings in
place cross the area; all of which are on the Somerset Levels and
Moors.
The levels on the upper reaches of the
Somerset Levels and Moors (upstream of Langport) are rising following
last night’s rainfall and will remain sensitive and respond quickly
to any further rain. Levels on the lower reaches of the catchment
are stable but remain high.
Significant issues still include:
- Muchelney, Thorney and Langport – As you will know, the roads leading to the villages of Muchelney and Thorney remain flooded and impassable. The river levels remain high, but our monitoring equipment is showing that they are now beginning to drop. We are now able to operate additional pumps. Currently Midelney is running two pumps, with a third pump ready to operate, if levels allow. Huish Episcopi has three pumps running to full capacity. Long Load has one pump operating. We are continually monitoring the situation.
Please bear in
mind that the rivers react very quickly to additional water and as a
result any pumping may be short-term to avoid flooding further
downstream.
If you or someone
you know is in a vulnerable position please contact your local
district council for help – South Somerset District Council covers
the Muchelney and Thorney area.
- The situation on Curry Moor remains the same. The moor is full and the spillways at Hookbridge and Athelney are still running. We are monitoring the situation closely at Curry Moor and hope to commence pumping as soon as conditions allow.
Some people have
requested that we continue to include information on the local roads,
the A361 remains closed and this will be the case until the spillways
stop running and we are in a position to start pumping at Curry Moor.
The high spring tides at the end of next week will also impact on
our ability to pump.
Bankland Wall at
Athelney Farm is one of the numerous structures on the Somerset
Levels and Moors that holds water. Over the last few days, during a
routine inspection we noticed some water coming through the bank, to
avoid the situation getting worse we have put some sandbags in place
as a precautionary measure. Once the water levels on Curry Moor
fall, we will carry out necessary repairs.
- Saltmoor and Northmoor pumping stations are still operating at full capacity. An additional fifteen temporary pumps are currently operating to support these pumping stations. As many of you will be aware, the only remaining access road to Moorland is now impassable for smaller vehicles. Stathe Road from Burrowbridge to Stathe also remains impassable for smaller vehicles. Levels have stabilised and are starting to recede at Saltmoor as a result of the continual pumping. Levels at Northmoor are currently stable at the pumping station.
To help us to
manage pumping operations and water levels in the area, we will be
reconfiguring the layout of the pumps at Northmoor and Saltmoor.
Please rest assured that the capacity to pump will remain the same.
In order for us to carry out this work, there will be some disruption
to Huntworth Lane between the hours of 09.30 – 14.00 tomorrow.
- Sowy – The levels on the Sowy are rising slightly. The A372 between Othery and Langport is now passable
- Westonzoyland – Levels have stabilised. The temporary pumps remain in place at Westonzoyland Pumping Station. Levels have also stabilised on the King’s Sedgemoor Drain.
- West Sedgemoor – The levels at West Sedgemoor Pumping Station are stable and two pumps are currently running to help control these levels. The local roads are now impassable and some isolated properties are now cut off. If you or someone you know is in a vulnerable position please contact your local district council for help - Taunton Deane Borough Council covers the West Sedgemoor area.
- Kingsmoor - Levels in Kingsmoor remain stable. We are now operating one pump at Long Load and the gravity outlet is operational.
- Brue and Axe – River levels in the catchment remain high but stable with no significant issues.
It is important to note that this is an
ever-changing situation. Managing the pumping operations is a fine
balance – we need to ensure that by lowering water levels in one
area, it does not increase the flood risk to property in another.
Please be assured that we continue to
monitor levels in the catchments 24 hours a day and operate
additional pumps as soon as it is possible to do so. You will
appreciate that because the flooding is widespread, we have to
consider the effects of flood water throughout the area and operate
the different pumping stations accordingly.
It is important to bear in mind that
any further rainfall will cause the rivers to rise and could alter
any pumping regime.
Any information on road closures are to
the best of our knowledge – please contact the Highways Department
at Somerset County Council for more information.
For weather updates please keep an
eye on local TV and radio and visit our website to see the flood
warnings in force. Click here for latest details.
Our Incident Hotline No is 0800
807060 and ask to speak to the Flood Incident Duty Officer for the
area.
Floodline No: 0845 988 188.
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