THERE are several flood alerts in place for Somerset as heavy rain continues to hit the county in the run up to Christmas.

In West Somerset Washford River levels remain high at the Beggearn Huish river gauge as a result of the saturated ground following recent rain. 

A further band of rain is forecast this afternoon and evening, (Saturday, December 21) clearing in the early hours of Sunday.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "There is a possibility of flooding for the Horner Water, Rivers Aller and Washford, and the Hawkcombe, Monksilver and Doniford Streams. We are closely monitoring the situation. "Our incident response staff are checking rivers for blockages."

The River Tone at Bishops Hull gauge remains close to flood alert level.  There is a possibility of flooding for roads around Hillfarrance, Bradford on Tone, Lane End Road at Ham and the Creech Saint Michael to Henlade road. 

The drain level at Currymoor pumping station on the Somerset Levels is 7.1m and is rising by approximately 10mm per hour. There is a risk of water overtopping Haymoor flood storage area and affecting Curload and Stan Moor if this level reaches 8.30m. Pumping continues at Saltmoor and all pumps are running at Northmoor pumping station.

River levels have peaked on the Cannington Brook but are beginning to rise again on the River Yeo and River Parrett. They are currently below, but very close to Flood Alert level.