Coastal communities in Somerset are being urged to brace themselves for severe weather and potential flooding tomorrow, 3 January.
A combination of recent heavy rain and unusually high tides mean that seaside communities along the Somerset’s Channel coast could be hit by significant waves and flooding.
Porlock Weir, Minehead, Dunster Beach, Blue Anchor, Stolford, Steart and Burnham-on-Sea are all likely to be hard-hit, with some properties at risk of flooding.
Somerset County Council’s Civil Contingencies Unit and Highways Teams are working closely with West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Environment Agency and District Councils to prepare.
The seafront roads in Minehead and Blue Anchor are due to be shut from around 6am tomorrow until the danger has passed, and the again at around 5pm in the evening.
Homeowners are strongly urged to protect their own homes. Some sandbags are available from district councils and can also be bought from local builders merchants.
Supplies of sandbags are being delivered this evening to the car park in Porlock Weir and the Quay West car park in Minehead. Additional bags may be available at the County Council’s Mart Road depot. For more information call West Somerset Council 01643 703704 or Somerset County Council 0845 345 9155 during office hours.
A very limited number of sandbags are available from Sedgemoor District Council’s depot at Colley Lane in Bridgwater for residents in areas that are predicted to flood. A further supply of sandbags will be available at Morrison’s car park in Burnham-on-Sea early on Friday, 3 January.
Paula Hewitt, Director with responsibility for Emergency Planning, said: “The precise impact is hard to say, but we are being told that we could be badly affected. Lots of people in homes that are vulnerable to flooding will already be aware of the Environment Agency’s Floodline warning system. If not, then we’d advise you to visit the agency’s website for information or call 0845 988 1188.
“We are doing what we can, but in weather like this it’s important that people take common sense precautions – avoid sea front areas, don’t drive into floodwaters and check on vulnerable neighbours if you think they may be at risk in any way.”
The risk will be worse between 7.30am and 8am tomorrow and then at around 8pm when tides peak again and is likely to remain for the next two days, depending on the weather and tides.
For more information about flood warnings, the Floodline warning system and advice in the event of flooding, visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Because of the high winds, residents across Somerset who are due to have bin collections in the next few days are being asked to put their waste out in the morning rather than the evening, and weigh it down where possible.