UK battered by 84mph gusts and rain after major incident declared over flooding
UK battered by 84mph gusts and rain after major incident declared over flooding
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Gusts of 84mph and almost 60mm of rainfall have battered parts of the UK after a major incident was declared in Somerset due to flooding. More than 100 people in the worst affected areas of Somerset have been evacuated from their homes, with more than 30 flood warnings in effect across England as the UK recovers from Storm Eowyn.
A series of weather warnings are in place to cover the potential impacts from the less powerful Storm Herminia, a low pressure system named by meteorologists in Spain, which is expected to feel the strongest winds. Somerset Council and police jointly declared a major incident in the region which was still in force on Monday evening.
A council spokesman said: “Following intense rainfall across the region at the weekend, several parts of Somerset were flooded on Sunday afternoon, including roads and some homes in the centre of Chard and Ilminster. “With further heavy rainfall expected to fall in the early hours of Monday morning, a major incident was called and a decision was made to carry out precautionary evacuations for residents living in properties in the worst affected areas, as well as a caravan site thought to be at risk.
“Rest centres were set up in Chard, Ilminster and Somerton, and all the relevant agencies will continue to work to keep residents safe.”. Somerton Fire Station said 61 people were rescued from flooded properties, including from a mobile home site in Charlton Adam, and temporarily relocated to Edgar Community Hall.
