Burnham-On-Sea residents have been warned to expect further heavy rain, strong winds and high tides over the next few days – and more sandbags have been distributed to residents as a precaution.
Sedgemoor District Council provided 150 sandbags to Burnham on Friday morning, when members of BARB were on hand to help distribute them, as pictured.
“An additional 100 sandbags were available from besides the BARB building on the seafront for residents in need,” said council spokeswoman Claire Faun. “Sedgemoor is very grateful to BARB for their assistance in the distribution, which has allowed the council’s staff to help out elsewhere across the district.”
Friday morning’s tide saw big waves crash onto the sea wall, as pictured here. Further high tides are due this weekend.
The Environment Agency says tidal flooding is expected in “numerous locations” due to large waves caused by the gales.
The agency’s Pete Fox told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are expecting flooding along the west and south coasts of England and Wales, due to a combination of strong winds, large waves and high tides, into the weekend.”
“Coastal paths and promenades could be highly dangerous as there is an increased risk of being swept out to sea. People are warned to stay away from the shoreline.”
Meanwhile, local emergency services in the Burnham area have been put on standby by Somerset County Council to provide help for residents over the next few days if the storms prove as disruptive as forecast.
Somerset County Council’s Civil Contingencies Unit and Highways Teams are working closely with West Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Environment Agency and District Councils to prepare.
Paula Hewitt, Director with responsibility for Emergency Planning in Somerset, said: “The precise impact is hard to say, but we are being told that we could be badly affected. We are doing what we can, but in weather like this it’s important that people take common sense precautions – avoid sea front areas, don’t drive into floodwaters and check on vulnerable neighbours if you think they may be at risk in any way.”
The council says homeowners are “strongly urged” to protect their homes. Some sandbags can also be bought from local builders merchants. Instructions on how to use sandbags effectively have been issued here.
MORE: For tide times, click here and see our live seafront webcam here.
