Which areas of Somerset are prone to flooding?
The areas predominantly at risk of flooding include the Levels and Moors, Taunton, Bridgwater, Ilchester and Bruton. In addition, Minehead and the coastal area covering the River Parrett Estuary, Brean, Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge would be affected in the event of coastal flooding.
Does Somerset have a history of flooding?
Background to the Somerset Levels and Moors Century, land reclamation started but frequent flooding was common. Over the 15th – 17th centuries rudimentary land drainage activity occurred, largely in a piecemeal way.
When was the Somerset Levels flood?
In a period of three months from December 2013 to February 2014 the Somerset Levels hit the national headlines as it suffered extensive flooding, first marooning several villages and farms and then inundating them.
When was Somerset drained?
During the Middle Ages the monasteries at Glastonbury, Athelney and Muchelney drained and looked after the land. Dutch engineers arrived to drain the Levels in the 17th Century. Farmers have managed the landscape ever since.
When did Somerset last flood?
Large parts of the Somerset Levels spent much of the winter of 2013-14 under water. Villages were isolated, homes evacuated, the farming community in disarray and the bad weather relentless.
Did Somerset used to be underwater?
Thousands of years ago the area was covered by the sea, but today it’s a landscape of rivers and wetlands – artificially drained, irrigated and modified to allow productive farming.
Why did the Somerset flood occur?
A quick succession of prolonged Atlantic storms, with persistent rainfall and gale-force winds, was the primary cause of flooding. The rivers could not cope with the significant amount of rain that fell. Additionally, high tides in the Bristol Channel and its narrowing create tidal surges.
Was Somerset under water?
Records show more than a third of the area (70,000 acres or 28,000 ha) was submerged in 1919. In the 2014 flood, it is estimated about 6,500 ha (16,000 acres), or about 10% of the Levels, are under water.
Did the Somerset levels used to be under the sea?
Among the lowest, flattest areas in the UK, they were once covered by sea apart from the curious mumps and mounds that rose above them as islands. Somerset is therefore ‘the land of the summer people’ as the rich grazing pastures of the Levels were only accessible in the drier months.
When was the last time the Somerset levels flooded?
From December 2013 onwards the Somerset Levels suffered severe flooding as part of the wider 2013–2014 Atlantic winter storms in Europe and subsequent 2013–2014 United Kingdom winter floods.
Where can I find out about flood warnings in Somerset?
For details of flood warnings, please visit the Environment Agency’s website. For up-to-date information about floods and other adverse weather conditions affecting roads in Somerset, please visit the Travel Somerset website.
How did the flood in Somerset affect insurance costs?
Insurance costs increased in flood-hit areas of Somerset. As expected for a high-income country (HIC), the response to the flood was well organised and rapid. Local people in South West England were warned of heavy rain when the Met Office issued an amber warning.
What is happening to the Somerset Levels?
The Somerset Levels Flood Case Study The Somerset Levels are a coastal plain and wetland area of Somerset, England. Thousands of years ago the area was covered by the sea, but today it’s a landscape of rivers and wetlands – artificially drained, irrigated and modified to allow productive farming.