Somerset Levels' Major Incident status lifted; recovery phase begins

KEY INFORMATION:

• The Major Incident status for the Somerset Levels has been formally stood down as of late February 2026.
• The incident has transitioned into a recovery phase, focusing on clean-up and community support.
• The A361 remains subject to reactive closures; it was recently closed again due to fresh flooding on the road surface.
• More than 2,800 properties were protected by flood defences, while 91 properties across the county reported flooding.
• 28 high-volume pumps remain active in the Levels and Moors to manage high water levels and saturated ground.

The emergency response to the extensive flooding across the Somerset Levels has officially moved into a recovery phase.

Following the impacts of Storm Chandra, Somerset Council and the Environment Agency have confirmed that the situation is no longer being treated as a Major Incident, as conditions on the ground begin to stabilise.

Recovery and clean-up operations are now the primary focus for local authorities. However, with the ground remain heavily saturated, 28 high-volume pumps remain operational across the Levels and Moors to prevent further escalation.

Transition to recovery and community support

The decision to stand down the Major Incident status follows a period of improving weather, though the council remains prepared for further rain. Efforts are now shifting toward supporting residents in the 91 properties reported as flooded across the county. Notably, flood defences successfully protected 2,860 homes throughout the peak of the incident.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Bill Revans, said: “We will continue to work with our partners to support communities impacted by flooding, but it is positive that conditions are improving and we can now stand down the major incident. I want to assure our residents that we will continue to provide the support they need and our response will continue until no further action is required.”

Transport and safety: The A361 closure

Public safety remains the priority, particularly regarding local transport routes. The A361 was closed again on 20 February due to fresh flooding covering the road surface. This closure serves as a reminder that despite the recovery phase, water levels remain volatile.

Ian Withers, Area Director for the Environment Agency, said: “While water levels remain high, residents will understandably remain nervous about flood risk, especially around Currymoor, Northmoor, Saltmoor and Langport. Please be reassured that our work continues. We are still pumping down water levels at every opportunity.”

Guidance for residents

Residents are urged to follow these safety measures during the recovery period:

Do not drive through floodwater: Standing water can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears.

Respect closure gates: Emergency road closure gates are in place for public protection.

Report issues: Any ongoing flooding or property damage should be reported through official council channels.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from Council / Local Authority. Document: Somerset flooding incident moves into recovery phase Source Link: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/somerset-flooding-incident-moves-into-recovery-phase/

Related Links:

MORE: A361 closed for safety of public after fresh flooding — https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/a361-closed-for-safety-of-public-after-fresh-flooding-hits-road/

MORE: New crackdown as illegal dumping costs taxpayers £500,000 — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/06/new-crackdown-as-illegal-dumping-costs-taxpayers-500000/

MORE: Manchester City Council launches month-long key amnesty — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/manchester-city-council-launches-month-long-key-amnesty-to-tackle-tenancy-fraud/