The village of Croscombe in Somerset and other communities near Shepton Mallet were badly affected by flash floods today that left cars stranded and roads under water.
A storm early this morning resulted in 30mm of rain, over half the monthly average for July, falling on a small area in less than fifteen minutes. It was far more than the 10mm forecast. Four houses and the pub in Croscombe have been flooded.
The speed and localised nature of the downpour meant there was no time for the Environment Agency to warn residents. Emergency services and Environment Agency teams were already on standby following the recent heavy rainfall so were able to respond quickly once the severity of the situation became known.
Bowlish Infant School was evacuated as a precaution after it was discovered that a retaining wall opposite the school was under pressure from the river. Mendip District Council has sent a building inspector to investigate and there are pumps on standby to relieve the pressure if needed.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Sheppey at Shepton Mallet and Croscombe and a lower level flood alert for nearby east Somerset rivers. Avon and Somerset Police are currently knocking on doors to alert people. There is a possibility that the river will overtop at the nearby village of Godney. John Rowlands from the Environment Agency says:
"‘This kind of localised event is difficult to predict but is devastating when it happens. It’s important in this situation that people should not attempt to drive or walk through the flood water. Our teams have been hard pressed this week already and we’re doing all we can to contain the situation and prevent it getting worse’ said."
Devon and Somerset Fire crews have been attending several flooding incidents on Wednesday including:
• 7.14am, Property flooded at Castle Lane, Wookey, Wells
• 7.32am, Property flooded at Wellesley Park, Dulcote, Wells
• 8.30am, 1ft of water in George Inn, Long Street, Croscombe, Shepton Mallet. Twenty properties in this area are also believed to be at risk of flooding and fire crews are assisting with evacuation. The nearby river is severely flooded.
• The A371 Bowlish to Wells Road is blocked by debris and closed. Fire crews working to remove debris
• 8.45, water 2ft deep in Church Street, Wells. Fire crews removing debris from a bridge
• 9.48, Flooding in Wells Road, Bowlish, Shepton Mallet
• Bowlish Infant School evacuated as a precaution.
The Environment Agency have issued this advice:
- Act now to protect yourself and your property.
- If it's safe to do so, block doors with flood boards or sandbags and cover airbricks and other ventilation holes.
- If you are caught in a flash flood, get to higher ground. Stay away from flood water and don't take risks.
- Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place.
- Keep a flood kit ready including a torch, batteries, fully charged mobile phone, warm clothes, water, food and any prescription medicines you may need.
- If it's safe, make sure your neighbours are aware of the situation and offer help to anyone who may need it.
- Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water if your property is about to flood. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water.
- Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up-to-date flooding information.
- Keep an eye on local water levels and weather conditions. The Environment Agency website contains details of river level and flooding information and can be accessed at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
Send us your photos via the Heart West Country Facebook page. Thank you to @jeff2869 on Twitter for supplying the above photo of cars on Cannards Grave Road. Photo of firefighters in Shepton Mallet was supplied by Wells Journal.
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