Somerset hit by Storm Chandra as roads flood and trains grind to halt
By Laura Linham 27th Jan 2026
Storm Chandra has flooded roads and brought Somerset to a standstill after lashing the county with up to 80mm of rain overnight.
The A303 at Ilminster and the A361 near Burrowbridge are among the major routes closed this morning (Monday, 27 January), with dozens more roads across Taunton, Langport, Wellington and Martock blocked or impassable.
Two lanes of the M5 are shut southbound between Taunton and Wellington, and traffic was held for 45 minutes after a crash near Burnham-on-Sea at 6.45am.
The Met Office issued a double weather warning for Somerset, with heavy rain falling on ground already saturated by weeks of storms. Floodwaters have also forced major disruption to rail services.
Great Western Railway confirmed that:
- All trains between Castle Cary and Taunton are cancelled due to submerged tracks
- Flooding has also blocked the line between Exeter St Davids and Taunton
- Passengers can delay travel until Thursday, 29 January using the same ticket
Somerset Council has urged drivers not to risk flooded routes. Roads confirmed closed or impassable as of 9.30am include:
- M5: Two lanes flooded southbound between J25 (Taunton) and J26 (Wellington)
- A358: Closed at Donyatt
- A303: Closed from Southfields Roundabout (Ilminster) to Chard turn-off (Upottery)
- A361: Closed East Lyng to Burrowbridge
- Cuts Road (East Lyng to Athelney)
- Langport Road (Muchelney to Langport)
- New Road (West Lyng to North Curry)
- Stoke Road, Martock
- Henlade/Ruishton to Creech St Michael
- Reports of closure at Wrantage
- Sampford Moor Road: Closed due to landslip
- B3153 at Clanville: Closed due to flooding
- A38 Wellington Road (West Buckland): Closed
- Godminster Lane, Bruton: Closed due to tree down
- A38 Taunton to Bridgwater: Monkton Elm and Walford Cross closing
- Reports of deep flooding on A359 from Mudford to Marston Magna
Bus services across the county are facing significant disruption and delays.
More local stories:
- Wells council tax precept to rise by 6p a week in April
- Wells road closures this week for pedestrian crossing works
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