River levels on the River Sheppey are escalating quickly, prompting the Environment Agency to issue an urgent flood warning for the area.

Shepton Mallet and Croscombe are identified as the areas most vulnerable to potential flooding, with specific concern for locations around Charlton Viaduct, the Cider Factory, and Draycott Road in Shepton Mallet, as well as the vicinity of Jack's Bridge in Croscombe.

According to the Environment Agency, the rainy weather is expected to persist until approximately 5 PM today, Wednesday 21st February 2024, leading to a rise in river levels throughout the morning. Additional rainfall is anticipated early Thursday morning, and authorities are keeping a vigilant eye on the situation.

The Agency advises residents to take proactive measures immediately. Those with flood plans are encouraged to implement them without delay. It's also recommended to deploy any available property flood protection measures. Safety and awareness of one's surroundings are paramount during this time.

The flood warning encompasses a broad area from Shepton Mallet to Lower Godney, including Garston Street, Leg Square, Lower Lane, Longbridge, and Draycott Road in Shepton Mallet, along with properties in Bowlish, Darshill, Croscombe, Dulcote, Coxley, Fenny Castle, Wookey, Upper Godney, and Lower Godney. Residents in these areas are urged to prepare for potential flooding and remain informed on the latest updates from the Environment Agency.

What to do if you get a flood alert

A flood alert means you need to prepare: flooding is possible.

If you haven't already done so, you should:

• sign up for flood warnings
• keep up to date with the latest flood risk situation - call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates
• have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case you need to leave your home
• check you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
• plan how you'll move family and pets to safety

What to do if you get a flood warning

A flood warning means you need to act: flooding is expected. You should do all the actions for a flood alert, but also:

• move vehicles to higher ground if it's safe to do so
• move family and pets to safety
• move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings
• turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it's safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you're standing in water
• if you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now
• keep track of the latest flood risk situation

What to do if you get a severe flood warning

A severe flood warning means there is danger to life: you must act now.

• call 999 if you're in immediate danger
• follow advice from the emergency services and evacuate if you're told to do so
• make sure you have an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, important numbers like your home insurance, water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and babycare items you may need
• alert neighbours and offer help if it's safe to do so
• avoid driving or walking through flood water: just 30cm (1 foot) of fast flowing water could move your car and even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet
• keep your family and pets away from floodwater – it may contain heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals
• wash your hands if you've been in contact with flood water which may contain toxic substances