Torrential overnight rain caused flooding on roads all around Wellington today. The A38 was closed from early morning between Chelston roundabout and Rumwell, causing many commuters to abandon their journey to Taunton. Willowbrook Garden Centre was badly flooded for the third time this year, having re-opened on Nov 3rd after repairing damage caused by a September flood.
The town’s ring road had several deep floods that forced motorists to seek a route through the centre, causing
gridlock on South Street and Pyles Thorne road.
Oaktree Court, a large residential care home on the A38 opposite Hoyles Rd, faced major staff problems as both routes to the home were blocked by deep floods. “It’s total chaos,” said one employee. “The night shift can’t get off home and people like me who relieve them can’t get to work.”
Primary schools including Rockwell Green, Lanford Budville and Oake closed for the day. Trains from Bristol to the West Country were seriously disrupted after the track was flooded north of Taunton.
Using the M5 as an alternative to reach Taunton from Wellington became impossible when a car overturned near J26, blocking two lanes and making the Highways Agency close the Wellington interchange.
The B3187 was also impassable in both directions between the Milverton and Langford Budville turnings. By 7am the Environment Agency had issued 23 flood warnings and 49 flood alerts for the region.
