Several roads across Somerset are closed this morning due to flooding and storm damage, with drivers urged to check their routes, plan ahead, and avoid driving into flood water.

Road closures affecting the area include:

• A359 from Thorny Lane (Chilton Cantelo) to Chilton Cantelo turn-off (Mudford)
• Honeymead Lane, Baltonsborough
• Camel Street, Marston Magna
• Bridgehampton Road, Yeovilton
• High Street, Chard
• A372, Somerton

Additional closures include:

• Silk Mills and Blackdown Hill, Taunton (the latter due to a fallen tree)
• A3065 Bishop's Hull, Taunton
• Foghamshire Lane to Gare Hill, Trudoxhill
• Hollowell Hill, West Chinnock
• Lopen Road, Hinton St George
• Wallbridge, Frome
• Sutton Barn Offices, Frome
• Holes Lane, Mells, Frome
• Eggwood Hill, Merriott
• Wellington Road, Rumwell
• Church Street, Yeovilton, Yeovil
• Holloway, Lopen

Flood warnings issued for Somerset rivers

The Environment Agency has issued red and yellow flood warnings across Somerset. Residents near affected rivers are urged to stay vigilant and take precautions.

Red: Flooding is expected

• River Tone: From Bathpool to Ham, including Ruishton and Creech St Michael. Key areas include riverside properties, Rugby Ground, Husk Farm, Mill Cottages, Sewage Treatment Works, and Ham Mills.
• River Brue and Glastonbury Millstream: From Lovington to Highbridge, affecting low-lying properties, Tootle Bridge, Catsham, Church Moor at Baltonsborough, Street Drove, the B3151 Glastonbury to Meare road, Westhay Bridge, and Tadham Moor.

Yellow: Flooding is possible

• River Tone catchment: Including the River Tone from Clatworthy Reservoir to Currymoor, Hillfarrance Brook, Halsewater Stream, and other tributaries.
• Bridgwater, Cannington, and Combwich rivers: Covering Huntworth Business Park Rhyne, Stockmoor Rhyne, Hamp Brook and Durleigh Brook in Bridgwater, Cannington Brook at Cannington, Combwich Brook at Combwich, and the Stogursey area.
• East Somerset Rivers: Including the Rivers Brue, Sheppey, Glastonbury Millstream, and North and South Drains.

Advice to drivers and residents

Drivers are reminded to take extra care, avoid flooded areas, and only travel if necessary. Residents in areas with red flood warnings should prepare for potential flooding and follow advice from emergency services. Keep updated on local road conditions and flood alerts to ensure safety.

Sam Sheehan, Motoring Editor at cinch, Shares Key Advice for Driving in Flooded Conditions: "There's been a lot of flooding recently, and the end of this cold snap could bring even more. With that in mind, it's important to know how to drive safely through floodwater.

"First things first, it's best to try and avoid driving through standing water if you can. And definitely don't drive through water that's moving or more than 10cm deep.

"It's also key to check your brakes when you set off to clear the light layer of rust caused by water or rain when your car's parked. Applying the brakes normally a couple of times should sort it.

"Speaking of brakes, always make sure to test your brakes as soon as it's safe after passing through floodwater – this'll make sure they're clear of water/obstructions.

"If you do need to drive through floodwater, slow down before you reach the water. Then take it nice and steady to avoid creating a bow wave and getting water into your engine. 

Aim for around 3-4mph in first gear (if you drive a manual) to keep the revs high and stop water going into your exhaust. If you drive an electric car or an automatic, aim for the same consistent speed. 

"You should also try to drive in the middle of the road, since this is where roads are often the highest, and go one car at a time through the water. 

"One last thing, if you ever find yourself aquaplaning, try not to panic. Simply ease off the accelerator gently and relax your grip on the steering while keeping it straight. Once the steering feels back to normal, keep your speed low to help avoid it happening again."