WIDESPREAD flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency across the Wellington and West Somerset areas on Sunday night (November 12).

The alerts mean flooding is possible and people should prepare in case it happens.

The agency said river levels remained high after recent rainfall and unsettled weather was forecast to continue, with persistent rain through Sunday night into Monday morning (November 13).

It said the overnight rain brought a risk of flooding from the early hours of Monday morning and beyond.

An agency spokesperson said: “Catchments are wet, so river levels will remain high and respond to further rainfall.

“Flooding is possible on Monday morning.

“We are constantly monitoring river levels. Environment Agency officers are closely watching the situation.

“Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions.

“Please consider weather conditions, local water levels, and your flood plan if you have one.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths, roads, and any bridges near local watercourses, and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”

The spokesperson said the agency would update its advice on Monday.

One area most at risk was the lower River Tone, where the agency said it was utilising its pumping stations including additional temporary pumps as water levels allowed, to evacuate water away from the River Parrett and Tone confluence.

The spokesperson said water would enter Currymoor reservoir via Hookbridge spillway while the River Tone level exceeded 24 feet.

Checks on the River Tone levels can be made here.

In West Somerset, water levels were high in Washford River, Horner Water, River Aller, Hawkcombe Stream, Monksilver Stream, Doniford Stream, and their tributaries, putting surrounding low-lying land most at risk.

Pumping stations and the Parrett Relief Channel were being used, as water levels allowed, to evacuate water threatening the River Parrett moors and the at-risk communities of Combwich, Steart, Otterhampton, Stockland Bristol, and Stolford.

On Exmoor, affected areas included the upper River Exe from Exford to Exebridge, the rivers Barle, Lyn, East Lyn, West Lyn, Mole, and Bray and their tributaries, the middle River Exe from Exebridge to Tiverton, the rivers Haddeo, Batherm, and Lowman.

Elsewhere, areas at risk included communities in Hemyock, Culmstock, and Uffculme in the River Culm valley, Devon.