FLOODING continues to be an issue in Somerset with some problems on the roads remaining from overnight and trains being suspended.

Trains have been suspended between Taunton and Exeter St Davids due to flooding.

Cross Country has said that there will be no trains between Tiverton and Exeter for the rest of today because of the damage caused during the storm.

Engineers have been busy trying to sort the problem but heavy rain has flooded the railway at Cowley Bridge between Taunton and Exeter St Davids.

People are being advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary. 

 At present, only very limited replacement road transport can be sourced.

There is currently no firm estimate as to when the line will reopen, however it is currently expected that disruption will continue until at least the end of the day tomorrow, Wednesday 23 November.

Schools in Somerset are all reported to be open this morning but we'll let you know if this changes.

Meanwhile Taunton Town FC has called off the match tonight against Wimborne as the pitch is waterlogged.

Somerset County Council has also closed the floodgates at New Road in West Lyng because of the water.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Roads still closed across Somerse

South Somerset:

  • A359 Lysander Road, Yeovil – one lane closed
  • March Lane, Galhampton – closed
  • Field Road, High Ham
  • Honeybrook, Rimpton
  • Church Lane, Mudford – closed
  • Road by Parrett Works, between Martock and South Petherton – passable with care

Sedgemoor

  • None reported

Mendip

  • B3135 Cheddar Gorge closed due to water and rocks on road

Taunton Deane

  • Nynehead Road, Chelston – flooding by River Tone, road closed
  • Ruishton to Creech St Michael (Cheats Corner) – flooding by River Tone, road closed
  • New Road at West Lyng (near junction with A361) – flood gates closed

 West Somerset

  • A396 Luckyard Farm, south of Weddon Cross – surface water flooding, passible with care

After yesterday's heavy rain lead to flooding across Somerset, the forecast for today is mainly cloudy but with some showers expected.

The temperature will not get above eight degrees centigrade and there will be some strong winds during the day, particularly along the coasts.

The showers should ease into the afternoon, slowly turning drier overnight and could even turn foggy for some by dawn.

The weather warnings in place have been removed however there are still likely to be some issues on the roads due to the sheer volume of rain over the past few days.

Highways England are urging drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads overnight and tomorrow morning as heavy rain and flooding continue to affect driving conditions across the country. 

Bridgwater Mercury:

The Environment Agency has issued 75 flood warnings across the Southwest, the Midlands, North East, North West, and the East of England as of Monday evening, as well as 205 flood alerts.

The Met Office offers the following advice for driving in rain and wind:
•    If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
•    If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
•    Use dipped headlights if visibility is significantly reduced.
•    Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
•    Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
•    Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.
•    On flooded roads, think before driving through deep water; don’t stop in standing water, and drive through the highest section of the road slowly. If there is any doubt don’t enter it.
•    Once you have managed to drive through check your brakes and dry them out as quickly as possible – a light touch of the brakes whilst still moving should do the trick.
Highways England and its contractors are working around the clock to remove water and clear drains, and help keep traffic moving.

How have you been affected by Storm Angus and the flooding? Email newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk with your stories and pictures.