An urgent 'danger to life' flood warning has been issued in Dorset as Storm Chandra continues to batter parts of the UK, prompting emergency evacuations.
Immediate Evacuation Ordered for Home Park Residents
Residents at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch in Dorset have been instructed to leave their properties "as quickly as possible" following the severe flood warning issued by the Environment Agency on Wednesday morning. The warning indicates that deep and fast-flowing flood waters are expected as River Stour levels continue to rise dangerously.
The Environment Agency's stark warning stated: "Severe flooding is expected today and flood water is expected to be deep and fast flowing. Flooding is expected on January 28 2026. River levels are rising and require residents to evacuate as quickly as possible."
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Staff from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) are currently on site alongside emergency services, assisting with the evacuation of approximately 80 homes at the park. Residents have been advised to prepare for overnight displacement and pack essential items including medications.
The Environment Agency provided specific safety instructions to those affected:
- Move family members, pets, and vehicles to safety immediately
- Turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies if safe to do so
- Prepare for potential power outages affecting the site
River levels are predicted to peak at approximately 3.66 metres around 2pm on Wednesday, according to the latest forecasts.
Wider Impact of Storm Chandra Across the UK
Storm Chandra has caused significant disruption across multiple regions since Tuesday, with Somerset Council declaring a major incident after approximately 50 properties were affected by flooding in areas including Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford, and West Camel.
Somerset Council leader Bill Revans commented: "The weather forecast remains challenging so we will be working with colleagues in the emergency services to ensure we are prepared should the situation continue to deteriorate."
Transport and School Disruption
The storm's impact has extended to transportation networks and education facilities:
- Multiple road closures are in effect across Somerset due to flooding, a landslip, and fallen trees
- Eight schools in Somerset have been forced to close
- Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord reported around 20 flooded properties in Devon and Cornwall, with expectations that this number will increase
Current Flood Warnings and Weather Forecast
While no Met Office weather warnings were active on Wednesday, yellow rain warnings have been issued for South West England on Thursday. The current flood situation across the UK includes:
- England: 87 flood warnings (flooding expected) and 215 flood alerts (flooding possible)
- Wales: 9 flood alerts
- Scotland: 8 flood warnings and 3 flood alerts
Storm Chandra represents the latest named storm from the western Europe storm naming group, a collaborative initiative between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands designed to improve public awareness and safety during severe weather events.
