“With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant,” said Ben Lukey, the Environment Agency’s flood duty manager, as Somerset and Dorset braced for more high water. The official update was revised on 17 February 2026. (gov.uk)

Across England, the late‑winter picture remains twitchy, with transport, farm work and weekend sport juggling around saturated ground and sudden road closures. As of the 17 February update there were 64 flood warnings and 175 alerts, with rain and snow warnings set for 18–19 February. Officials again urged people not to drive through floodwater. (gov.uk)

For the chalk and aquifers of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire the real worry is what happens once the rain stops: springs rising into lanes and cellars, and fields staying boggy long after the showers pass. Groundwater warnings remain for these counties; minor impacts are possible as far north as North Yorkshire, a reminder for Northern readers that saturated ground doesn’t respect regional lines. (gov.uk)

On the Somerset Levels and Moors, EA crews moved kit early so it was ready the minute river levels allowed. They are also clearing vegetation and obstructions and putting up temporary barriers, working alongside councils, the water company and emergency services. (gov.uk)

At Dunball, where the Parrett meets the tide, the Agency is steadily cranking up the hardware: capacity is being lifted from around 10 to 15 cubic metres of water a second alongside the tide gate. The message to drivers is unchanged: do not enter floodwater. (gov.uk)

The blunt balance sheet so far since late January: roughly 340 properties flooded; more than 22,000 protected. Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited Langport last week and says government is backing long‑term resilience with £10.5bn to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036, plus over £100m reprioritised for maintenance. (gov.uk)

For rural communities the next 48 hours are about patience and planning. Even as rainfall eases, rivers, moors and levels can keep rising as the ground releases water slowly. Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up to GOV.UK’s Get flood warnings service, use Check for flooding, or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for advice. Today is Wednesday 18 February 2026. (gov.uk)