Shepton is currently facing challenging weather conditions as Storm Ciaran brings heavy rain and strong winds to the area - although we seem to have escaped the worst of the weather compared to other parts of the county and country.

The Met Office forecasts that the heavy rain will persist until 2pm, urging the community to take extra care, particularly in areas at risk of flooding.

Drier conditions are expected to follow the rainfall, but wind speeds are anticipated to reach up to 46mph at 2pm, creating potential hazards.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through our local news updates, secure any loose outdoor items, and exercise caution during this time.

Please be aware that several key roads in Somerset have been closed due to the weather:

• The A358 has been completely shut down, with traffic delays escalating due to flooding stretching from the Ilminster turn off all the way to The George Inn.
• Meanwhile, on A359 Camel Street in Marston Magna, the northbound lane has been closed due to flooding, causing further delays from B3148 to Woollen Lane. While the southbound side of the road has been reopened, the northbound lane remains impassable.
• The A368 in Hunstrete is facing a similar situation, with both directions of the road closed and delays mounting due to flooding. The affected stretch spans from the Hunstrete turn off to Barn Lane in Chelwood.
• In Yeovil Marsh, the A37 Ilchester Road has also been closed in both directions, with flooding causing delays from Coppits Hill Lane to Vagg Lane.
• Lastly, the A378 in Wrantage is closed in both direction with the closure affecting the stretch from Oldway Lane to A358 Mattocks Tree Hill in Stony Head.