Where did it flood in Somerset?
During December 2013 and January 2014 heavy rainfall led to extensive flooding with over 600 houses and 17,000 acres (6,900 ha) of agricultural land, including North Moor, Curry and Hay Moors and Greylake, affected. The villages of Thorney and Muchelney were cut off with many houses flooded.
What parts of Somerset are affected by flooding?
The areas predominantly at risk of flooding include the Levels and Moors, Taunton, Bridgwater, Ilchester and Bruton. In addition, Minehead and the coastal area covering the River Parrett Estuary, Brean, Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge would be affected in the event of coastal flooding.
When were the Somerset Levels underwater?
2013-14
The Somerset Levels was devastated by severe flooding in the winter of 2013-14, leading to a number of villages and rural settlements being cut off as one of the most picturesque areas of the county was plunged underwater.
How many homes were flooded in the Somerset floods?
600 homes
What were the impacts of flooding in the Somerset Levels? Over 600 homes and 6880 hectares of agricultural land were flooded. A number of villages were cut off after roads were flooded.
How did Somerset get flooded?
High tides and storm surges swept water up the rivers from the Bristol Channel exacerbating the problem by preventing freshwater being discharged to sea. Many local people believed that the decision by the Environment Agency not to dredge the rivers was one of the main causes of the extensive floods.
What caused the Somerset Levels to flood?
In what were the worst floods for over a hundred years. Amongst the causes were things that you’ll study in your geography lessons. Lots of rainfall, obviously, and a lack of dredging, which means managing the rivers. LIZ BONNIN: And blocking our waterway so that they’re clear and wide enough for water to keep flowing.
Is Somerset prone to flooding?
As much of the area lies at, or just a few metres above, sea level, this is a natural wetland prone to seasonal flooding each winter. Flooding is a natural occurrence – in fact the word ‘Somerset’ is loosely derived from ‘land of the summer people’.
Are Somerset levels below sea level?
The Somerset Levels span an area of around 250 square miles, or 160,000 acres. The majority of this area is below sea level, making the land vulnerable to both tidal and land-based flooding.
Are Somerset Levels below sea level?
Why did Somerset flood in 2014?
What caused the flooding on the Somerset Levels? England, rainfall totalled In December 2013, an unusually high amount of rainfall began to fall on the Somerset Levels and this continued into February 2014. With so much water, the ground became saturated, forcing both the river Parrett and the river Tone to flood.
Is Somerset a wet county?
Along with the rest of South West England, Somerset has a temperate climate which is generally wetter and milder than most of England.
Who drained the Somerset Levels?
Dutch engineers arrived to drain the Levels in the 17th Century. Farmers have managed the landscape ever since.