Key Points
- Somerset Council declared a major incident due to widespread flooding from Storm Chandra, affecting around 50 properties across areas including Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel.
- Six flood warnings and 11 flood alerts remain in place across Somerset, with water levels stabilising but further rain forecast.
- Environment Agency deploying additional pumps at sites like Northmoor, Saltmoor and Dunball to outpace floodwater, amid saturated ground and yellow weather warnings.
- Nationwide impacts include record January rainfall, travel disruptions, and danger-to-life flood warnings on rivers like the Otter and Frome.
Somerset (Bristol Express News) January 31, 2026 – Widespread flooding triggered by Storm Chandra has prompted a major incident declaration in Somerset, with approximately 50 properties inundated and emergency measures underway to protect residents.
Council teams are supporting at-risk households in Moorland, Saltmoor and Currymoor, where further home flooding remains possible despite stabilising water levels. The Environment Agency reports pumps now outpacing incoming floodwater on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
What caused the severe flooding in Somerset?
Storm Chandra brought record January rainfall across the UK, saturating ground and causing rivers to overflow, according to the Met Office. In Somerset, heavy downpours since January 27 led Somerset Council to declare a major incident on Tuesday, with multi-agency responses intensified.
As reported by Somerset County Council of Somerset County Council, water levels have not risen significantly overnight, but forecasts predict more rain over the weekend, keeping the incident active. The Environment Agency notes all spillways operating and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal aiding water movement.
How are authorities responding to the floods?
Ultra-high volume pumps are operational at Northmoor, with more deployed at Saltmoor and planned for Dunball next week, as stated by the Somerset Rivers Authority. Temporary road closures facilitated overnight pump installations, with emergency access maintained.
What support is available for residents?
Council staff are visiting homes at risk, advising preparation for potential evacuations without current orders to leave. The Environment Agency will hold a public meeting at Moorland Village Hall on January 31 between 10.30am and 1pm. Welfare support, including for animals, is accessible via Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224.
What are the wider impacts of Storm Chandra?
Across England, 93 flood warnings and 237 alerts were active as of Tuesday evening, with disruptions to flights, ferries and trains, per The Independent. Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord described Devon flooding as “truly horrendous,” with the River Otter reaching its highest recorded level.
Aerial footage from Sky News showed homes, paddocks and vehicles submerged in Somerset. The government highlights £10.5 billion investment to protect 900,000 properties by 2036, alongside urgent flow restriction reviews.
