Parts of Somerset have been left underwater after further low pressure weather systems bring further heavy rain to an already saturated Britain. Homes have been evacuated and roads have become completely impassable. Royal Marines from 40 commando have been deployed to the Somerset levels to help reinforce defences at properties at risk from flooding. A rest centre has been established in Bridgwater for those who have had to leave their homes.
Latest: David Cameron is at the council offices in Bridgwater, Somerset, meeting local residents and officials.
Latest: A train has become stranded in the Somerset floods...
Lord Smith of Finsbury, the Environment agency chairman, has visited the Somerset levels today and has been confronted by angry residents and farmers. Lord Smith has refused to apologise to angry residents, who are now calling for his resignation. He says the he has no intention of resigning...
As I have said before I have no intention of doing so because there is important work to be done, getting the dredging done as soon as possible, and getting the long-term solutions for the Somerset Levels sorted out.
Residents, farmers and other local business people argue that dredging should have been done a long time ago, and that more should have been done to protect homes and businesses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY8-X7E_7Ew
There are currently 2 Environment Agency severe flood warnings in place for Somerset, Salt Moor and North Moor including Moorland, and A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge. A severe flood warning means that there is danger to life and immediate action should be taken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1vC-7HSJSA
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of going to steal fuel from stricken vehicles on the flooded Somerset Levels. Police officers stopped a 4x4 vehicle containing large empty oil drums and an electric pump at Kingsdown, east of Muchelney, just after 4am this morning.
Sadly, more severe weather is expected on Friday night and into Saturday, with more very heavy rain and high winds. Then into next week, more storms are predicted. The Met office currently has an Amber severe weather warning of wind and rain for tonight and tomorrow and Sunday, and a further Yellow weather warning of rain for Tuesday. Somerset is subject to all of these weather warnings.
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