Homeowners, small businesses and farmers across the south west of England are being urged to stay alert as wet weather continues to batter the region. The Environment Agency and the Met Office have warned that unsettled conditions are expected to last for at least another month, with the added threat of high tides and strong winds increasing the risk of tidal flooding in some areas.
For many families, including members of the African and wider diaspora community who have made their homes in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Bristol and surrounding areas, the message is simple but serious. The ground is already saturated. Rivers are high. And further rainfall could quickly turn into flooding.
The start of 2026 has been exceptionally wet. A strong and unusually southerly jet stream has pushed frequent Atlantic systems across the UK, bringing relentless rain, powerful winds and wintry hazards. The south west has been particularly affected, recording 216 millimetres of rainfall so far this year, which is 184 percent of the long-term average for this period.
In Somerset alone, around 29 square miles of the Levels and Moors have been flooded. The flat, low-lying landscape is especially vulnerable when rivers overflow and drainage systems are overwhelmed. Forecasters say another band of rain is expected in the coming days before more unsettled weather gradually shifts northwards. However, the Met Office has warned that changeable conditions are likely to persist until at least mid-March.
For families who have already dealt with waterlogged gardens, road closures or property damage, the emotional toll can be just as heavy as the financial one. Many diaspora households run small businesses, care for order relatives or send money home regularly. Flood disruption can mean missed work, damaged stock, transport delays and added stress at a time when living costs are already high.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that hundreds of flood responders remain deployed across the country. Teams are working around the clock to protect vulnerable communities and reduce further risk. In Somerset, additional pumps have been proactively deployed across the Levels and Moors, bringing the total to 28 ultra-high-volume pumps. These operate alongside more than 60 high-volume pumps across Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.
Temporary flood barriers are being installed along the River Severn and the River Thames. Recently installed barriers at Bewdley in Worcestershire and in Oxford are designed to shield homes and businesses from rising waters. The Thames Barrier is due to close as high tides approach, while the Thames Jubilee River flood relief channel remains operational to help lower river levels and reduce the risk of property flooding.
So far, the Environment Agency estimates that 355 properties have been flooded. However, approximately 24,500 properties have been protected due to flood defences and emergency action. Since the first severe forecasts in January, teams have been checking flood defences, clearing river blockages and monitoring water levels whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
Julie Foley, Director of Flood Risk Strategy and National Adaptation at the Environment Agency, urged the public to remain vigilant. She acknowledged the impact on households, businesses and farmers, and stressed that while thousands of properties have been protected, more work is needed to tackle flood risk in a changing climate. She also highlighted the government’s multi-billion-pound investment programme aimed at strengthening resilience and long-term flood protection.
From the Met Office, Sarah Davies, Head of Energy and Environment, explained that repeated Atlantic low-pressure systems have left ground conditions particularly saturated across southern parts of the UK. While the focus of the wettest weather may shift towards western hills in the coming weeks, many areas remain sensitive after recent rain. Even normal levels of rainfall could have greater impact than usual as we move into early spring.
For diaspora readers, especially those unfamiliar with the UK’s flood warning system, it is vital to understand that risk can escalate quickly. Signing up for flood alerts by text, phone or email can provide early notice to move vehicles, protect valuables or take precautionary steps. Checking local council updates and Environment Agency maps can also help households plan ahead.
Climate pressures are increasingly shaping life in Britain. The government has committed at least £10.5 billion to its flooding programme until 2036, aiming to protect nearly 900,000 homes and businesses from billions of pounds in potential damage. Yet infrastructure alone cannot remove risk entirely.
At Chijos News, our diaspora-focused coverage recognises that extreme weather is not just a headline. It affects where people live, how they earn, how they travel and how secure they feel in their adopted communities. Flood resilience is now part of everyday life in many parts of the UK.
As the south west faces more weeks of unsettled weather, the message is not panic but preparation. Stay informed. Respond quickly to warnings. Check on neighbours, especially older residents. And remember that while the rain may be relentless, early action can make a crucial difference.