Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts are in place after Storm Chandra hit the UK – with some in Dorset being told to “evacuate as quickly as possible” due to rising water levels.
Severe flooding is expected later today at Iford Bridge Home Park, near Christchurch, with flooding from the River Stour set to be “deep and fast flowing”, the Environment Agency said.
Power to the site, which has 80 homes, is expected to be impacted.
“River levels are rising and require residents to evacuate as quickly as possible,” the agency warned.
“Move family, pets and cars to safety and turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so.”
It comes after a major incident was declared in Somerset on Tuesday evening.
An estimated 50 properties were hit by flooding across Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel, said Somerset Council.
Council leader Bill Revans said: “Storm Chandra brought more than 50mm of rain to parts of Somerset last night, on top of already saturated land, and this has caused widespread disruption.”
He added: “Please avoid travelling if you can and never attempt to drive through floodwater.”
Check the forecast for your area
On Wednesday morning, there were 85 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 214 flood alerts, where it is possible, across England.
In Wales, there were nine flood alerts in place, while there were seven flood warnings and three flood alerts in place across Scotland.
Katesbridge in Northern Ireland saw 103mm of rain on Tuesday, according to the Met Office.
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for the southwest of England on Thursday from midday until 11.59pm.
The Met Office said further rain could bring more flooding and disruption.
“There is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life,” it added.
Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles in floodwater on Tuesday.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were no casualties.
Across southwest England, there are multiple road closures because of flooding.
On the trains, Great Western Railway advised passengers not to travel between Exeter St Davids and both Okehampton and Barnstaple, adding “poor road conditions” means replacement buses cannot be provided.
Other services were also being disrupted by conditions in Somerset and Cornwall, with passengers being advised to “check before they travel”.
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Sky News meteorologist Dr Christopher England said there will be an “ongoing flood risk in the South and East, as yesterday’s rain moves through the river systems” – and the unsettled conditions could remain “into next week”.
“Further heavy rain moving into the South West tomorrow and again on Friday will add to the threat,” he added.
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“The wind will pick up too, although it won’t be anything like as windy as yesterday.
“It’s looking fine for most of today, although there’ll be some showers, mainly over Ireland, Northern Ireland and northeastern Scotland.”
