COMMUTERS on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington faced long delays this morning after heavy rain brought flash flooding to parts of Devon and Somerset.

Patches of deep flooding between the Blackbird Inn and the Chelston roundabout resulted in long queues of traffic in both directions, while some communities in the Blackdown Hills and the Culm Valley have also been cut off after the forecasted deluge. 

Taunton-bound drivers were forced to mount the footpath to allow motorists coming in the opposite direction space to manoeuvre around standing floodwater.

Somerset Council contractors turned up to place flood warning signs and two-traffic lights on the road which was flooded by about 18cm of water.

Drivers have been urged to take care on the M5 due to surface spray and a collision was also reported on the exit slip road for Taunton.

Devon County Council also has confirmed a number of bus routes to schools on the Wellington border have also been abandoned due to the inclement weather. A video submitted to the Wellington Weekly by Chris Penney showed a fast-flowing River Tone which had burst its banks near Tonedale.

Pupils who attend Culmstock Primary School, Hemyock Primary School and Uffculme School are among the worst affected this morning and bus operators have confirmed they will inform the council if they are to run this afternoon. Hemyock School was forced to delay opening until 10.30am.

Devon County Council said in a bulletin this morning: “Route abandoned before picking pupils up. Due to severe route flooding, this service will not run this morning.”

Nynehead Road residents also wanted to alert drivers to avoid the route, which had become blocked due to flooding near the railway bridge, leading to long queues and reports of stranded vehicles in deep water.

Paul Slaven, a spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We were called at 10.25am to Nynehead where a car was stuck in the river.

“We sent two appliances and it looks like that road is going to be closed due to the amount of water.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to rescue people trapped in water
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to rescue people trapped in water (Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to rescue people trapped in water)

Flood alerts are in place along the River Tone and surrounding countryside alongside the A38. The Environment Agency said in the alert: “River levels are rising on the Tone, Hillfarrance Brook and Halsewater Stream due to the overnight rainfall.

“Flooding of low-lying roads and land is possible from 7am this morning. Areas at risk include the roads around Hillfarrance, Bradford on Tone, Lane End Road at Ham and the Creech St Michael to Henlade road. 

“Further rainfall is forecast during this morning but will then clear. The rivers are expected to peak later this morning and then fall. The flood alert may be removed during the afternoon. The flooding of property is not expected.

“We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk, cycle or drive through flood water.”