Somerset Council issued a warning on 1 November 2023 that residents should be prepared for possible disruption from high winds and flash flooding overnight and into Thursday, as Storm Ciaran pushes across the South West1. Winds of up to 70mph are forecast for much of the county, particularly coastal areas, through much of Thursday1.
The council said it is preparing with 20 crews of tree surgeons on standby overnight and on Thursday, and that planned roadworks are being put on hold to allow more staff to respond to emergencies1. Council teams are also on standby for clear-up duties and to help vulnerable people and anyone affected by flooding1. The forecast wind brings the risk of flying debris, falling trees and power cuts1.
On flooding, the council said the timing of rainfall, high tides and already-saturated farmland means there is a risk of localised flooding which could affect roads and potentially homes1. It encouraged residents to monitor Met Office forecasts and flood warnings, and advised homeowners in flood risk areas to consider taking suitable precautions1.
"Winds of up to 70mph are forecast for much of the county, particularly coastal areas, through much of tomorrow, bringing the risk of flying debris, falling trees and power cuts."
Services were expected to run as scheduled. Recycling and refuse collections were due to take place as usual, with any disrupted collections returned as soon as possible, and the nine recycling sites due to open on Thursday planned to open as usual, though local managers would close them if there were safety concerns for staff or the public1. Parents were encouraged to check school websites or the council's school closures webpage and to look out for text messages in the morning in case any schools had to close1.
| Item | Detail given by Somerset Council1 |
|---|---|
| Forecast | Winds of up to 70mph for much of the county, particularly coastal areas, through much of Thursday |
| Risks cited | Flying debris, falling trees, power cuts, localised flooding affecting roads and potentially homes |
| Council standby | 20 crews of tree surgeons overnight and Thursday; roadworks on hold |
| Waste services | Collections and the nine recycling sites planned as usual, subject to local safety decisions |
| Support line | 0300 123 2224, option 1, during office hours |
| Flood reporting | swim.geowessex.com/somerset or flooding@somerset.gov.uk |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers much of Somerset, with coastal areas singled out for the strongest winds through Thursday1. Households in flood risk areas are those the council advises to consider suitable precautions, and it recommends buying sandbags in case of emergencies; where sandbags are not available it lists rolled-up mats or carpets, bags of garden compost, pillowcases filled with soil (not overfilled) and timber boards, possibly screwed to door frames and sealed with mastic1. Road users are urged not to attempt to drive across flooded roads, as the depth of the water cannot be estimated reliably1. After a flood, the council says to assume floodwater has been contaminated with sewage and avoid contact wherever possible, to follow Electrical Safety First's safety advice before switching back on, and to contact insurers, who will advise on next steps for restoring homes and belongings1. Reporting a flooded property helps the council investigate why the flood occurred and look for ways to reduce the risk in future1. On mental health, the council notes heavy rainfall may trigger anxiety, particularly for people previously affected by flooding, and points to Mindline Somerset, its emotional support and mental health helpline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 01823 276 892 (local) or 0800 138 1692 (freephone)1. Its suggested approaches include talking to someone, keeping to normal routine and helping neighbours1. Households can read our guidance on preparing a home and garden for high winds, on whether to delay a journey in bad weather, and in the storms and snow and flooding hubs.
What happens next
The warning covers overnight and Thursday 2 November 20231. The council asks anyone whose property floods to report it online at swim.geowessex.com/somerset or by email to flooding@somerset.gov.uk, and says anyone who needs support can call 0300 123 2224 and choose option 1 during office hours1. Updates on waste services are directed to @somersetwaste on Facebook and X1.
Sources (1)
- Storm Ciaran: Prepare for potential disruption, somerset.gov.uk
Delaying Journeys in Bad Weather
Preparing for High Winds
