Somerset roads closed due to floods as more heavy rain is forecast

Flooding has caused problems on several Somerset roads this morning.

The A39 was closed in both directions at Carhampton after flood water left the road impassable between the B3191 and Sandhill Lane junctions.

A decision was also taken yesterday to shut the A361 between East Lyng and Burrowbridge after heavy rain saw water levels rise.

The busy road, which links Taunton to Ashcott, remains closed today and emergency services are urging people not to ignore the road closure signs.

HALF PRICE DISHWASHER

John Franklin Kitchens Ltd

View details

Print voucher

Create the wow factor in your new kitchen by taking advantage of this fantastic NEFF promotion. Simply buy four Neff appliances and you can purchase a Neff dishwasher for half price.

Terms: Excludes warming drawers & accessories

Contact: 01458 550009

Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013

Some of Somerset's minor roads have also been affected by flooding, with the road through Staple Fitzpaine, near Taunton, also closed.

Somerset's severe weather warning of heavy rain, issued by the Met Office, has been extended until 6am tomorrow morning.

Heavy and persistent rain is forecast for tonight, with up to 30mm of rainfall expected throughout the day.

Emergency services have issued the following advice to drivers concerning flooded roads.

• If you come across flood water, don't drive through it if you are unsure of the depth.  Try to ensure there is no more than six inches of standing water - the edge of the kerb is a good indicator
• Look out for hidden dips and gullies where the water could be deeper
• If you believe it is safe to proceed, drive very slowly and steadily on the crown of the road in first gear to avoid creating a bow wave. Keep your revs high, slipping the clutch to avoid stalling
• Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water
• Don't try driving through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge approach - your car could easily be swept away
• Be considerate - driving through water at speeds above a slow crawl can result in water being thrown onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. You could face a fine of £2,500, with the extra punishment of between three and nine penalty points if the police believe you were driving without reasonable consideration to other road users
• Modern vehicles are fitted with catalytic converters in the exhaust system. The catalyst normally works at high temperatures and may crack if it is submerged in water
• The air intake on many modern cars is located low down at the front of the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage.