Hundreds of homes in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge were left without power on Monday and several streets were flooded after torrential rain swept through the area.
These were the scenes in Burnham’s Coleridge Gardens where blocked drains led to deep water filling the roadway and pavements.
“Luckily the cars could get through and no homes were flooded, but access has been difficult for many residents and several have flooded gardens,” local resident John Strickland told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
Over 400 homes were without power on Monday evening in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge following faults caused by the wet weather.
Western Power Distribution said it worked to get all homes reconnected as soon as possible.
Berrow School suffered sewer problems during the day caused by the heavy rain and several of its toilets were not working, prompting staff to consider closing it. “The school may have to close on Tuesday if further rain falls overnight and the problems worsen,” a spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com. “We will make a decision at 7.30am.”
Burnham-On-Sea fire crews were called to Brent Road in East Brent on Monday evening where an electricity cable was on fire underground, caused by saturated ground. The supplies were isolated with the help of the power company.
There were also minor flooding issues in Berrow Road, Stoddens Road and in Love Lane where Somerset County Council installed flood warning signs to warn motorists.
Several Burnham-On-Sea residents said they were unhappy that the County Council has not removed leaves from blocked drains. Vanessa Treloar said: “I reported blocked drains by the swimming pool in Berrow Road weeks ago and nothing has been done.”
Meanwhile, rail services were halted through Highbridge and Burnham Station. Great Western Railway advised passengers not to travel on its services since all lines between Bristol and Taunton were blocked.
Several First Bus services in Burnham and Highbridge were also delayed. Travellers were asked to check with the firms before setting out.
The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for the River Brue and Glastonbury Millstream from Lovington to Highbridge. It said river water levels would continue rising overnight.
The Met Office issued an amber severe weather warning for the whole of the South West as the persistent rain, accompanied by high winds, swept through through the area. Drier weather is forecast for the remainder of the week.
