A major incident has been declared by the Environment Agency due to the ongoing flood risk in the west country.
Somerset residents have been told they should 'plan for the worst' as the agency continues to respond to incidents in the rain-battered county.
With flood risk in the Bristol Avon area deemed high as the EA is also monitoring rising groundwater levels in Dorset, what is described as "enhanced pumping" began yesterday to clear water.
Over the past week, more than 100 flood warnings have been issued as heavy rain caused chaos mainly in the west and south-west England.
Terrible weather has damaged hundreds of homes and left many with no power.
A statement this morning said the major incident was a "precautionary move" to help ensure "partners become more co-ordinated".
Ian Withers of the Environment Agency said: “The sight of water on the Somerset Levels and Moors is obviously a concern to those who have suffered from flooding before.
"Our staff continue to work to the best of their abilities to protect people and properties, install pumps and engage with communities.
“The situation is expected to improve when enhanced pumping begins and we continue to run the Sowy flood relief channel, it is prudent to plan for the worst and going into major incident mode is appropriate, so we coordinate with partners and everyone is ready to respond if needed.”
It comes as dozens of families have been evacuated from their homes and a school forced to close after heavy rain caused a reservoir to overflow in Jersey, with children now urged to avoid the floodwater.
Flood barriers were erected in some towns across the UK due to high river levels and heavy rain forecast last week.
Barriers that look like a wall have been built in Bewdley, Worcestershire, amid fears the River Severn will burst its banks.
Additional pumps have been put in place at Saltmoor and Northmoor to reduce water levels along the River Parrett.
Following the Environment Agency's statement, Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond.
"We will be supporting Environment Agency colleagues on the ground and taking every step to ensure our communities receive the help they need.”
