Environment Agency teams kept pumps running across the Somerset Levels and Moors on Friday as officials warned of continued flood risk in Somerset and Dorset after Storm Chandra. A Met Office yellow warning for rain covers the South West, with more unsettled weather expected.

Somerset Council declared a major incident on Tuesday 27 January as responders stepped up operations. The Environment Agency says levels are beginning to stabilise in places, but the situation remains live and very localised.

Ben Lukey, the Environment Agency’s Flood Duty Manager, said crews are ‘running additional ultra‑high volume pumps in Somerset’ and added: ‘We urge people not to drive through flood water – just 30cm can float a car.’ The Agency expects possible river and groundwater impacts in parts of the South West over the next five days, with minor flooding more widely at least into next week.

In Dorset, the severe flood warning for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park has been lifted. Even so, levels remain high and anyone who left their home has been told to follow the advice of local responders on when it’s safe to return.

The Environment Agency estimates 206 properties have been recorded as flooded so far, while more than 16,100 have been protected by defences. Teams have been mobilised nationwide to check flood assets, clear blockages and monitor river gauges, and will remain out in force over the coming days.

With rainfall easing in places, some rivers, moors and levels will respond slowly to what has already fallen. Water can keep rising even after the heaviest bursts pass, particularly where ground is saturated and culverts are already working flat out.

Readers across the North know this pattern. From the Eden and Lune to the Aire and Calder, saturated catchments and fast run‑off make for twitchy weekends. Town halls and small firms here will be watching the South West closely, checking business continuity plans and eyeing their own pinch points.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said she is in regular contact with the Agency and local authorities. ‘Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected,’ she said, urging residents to follow local advice. Ministers point to a UK‑wide £10.5bn programme to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036, alongside more than £100m reprioritised for maintaining existing assets.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for free flood warnings by text, phone or email via GOV.UK and to read the government’s guidance on preparing for flooding and checking whether a property is at risk. Floodline is available on 0345 988 1188 for real‑time advice.

For now, the message is simple: take the warnings seriously, keep away from flood water and look out for neighbours. The Agency’s crews will keep the pumps running; communities should keep plans close to hand.