Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts have been issued across the United Kingdom in the wake of Storm Chandra, which brought intense rainfall and widespread disruption to many regions. The severe weather conditions have prompted emergency responses and significant travel advisories as communities brace for further impacts.
Major Incident Declared in Somerset
A major incident was formally declared in Somerset on Tuesday evening, highlighting the escalating risk of flooding in the area. Somerset Council emphasised that the threat on the Somerset Levels and Moors remains high as rainwater continues to move through the drainage systems. Council leader Bill Revans stated that the proactive declaration ensures authorities are well-prepared to manage the ongoing situation effectively.
Extent of Flood Warnings and Alerts
As of Tuesday night, the Environment Agency reported a substantial number of active warnings across the nation. In England alone, there were 97 flood warnings, indicating that flooding is expected, alongside 260 flood alerts, where flooding is possible. Wales recorded three flood warnings and 16 alerts, while Scotland had eight warnings and eight alerts in place.
Storm Chandra delivered more than 50mm of rain to parts of Somerset, exacerbating conditions on already saturated ground. This has led to widespread disruption, with an estimated 50 properties affected by flooding in areas including Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford, and West Camel.
Weather Warnings and Further Risks
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for ice covering much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and southern and central Scotland on Wednesday morning. Additionally, a yellow warning for rain is in effect for south-west England on Thursday, with forecasts suggesting that further precipitation could lead to additional flooding and transport delays.
Emergency Responses and Rescue Operations
Fire and rescue services have been actively engaged in responding to the crisis. In Devon and Somerset, firefighters rescued individuals from 25 vehicles trapped in floodwater on Tuesday morning, with no casualties reported. Images from across the UK and Ireland depicted search and rescue teams in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, vehicles stranded on flooded roads in Kent, and snowfall in Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham.
Multiple road closures have been implemented in south-west England due to flooding, including the A30 in Devon between key junctions near Ottery St Mary and Exeter Airport. Authorities are urging the public to avoid non-essential travel and to never attempt driving through floodwater, citing safety concerns.
Widespread Travel Disruption
The storm's impact extended beyond flooding, causing significant travel chaos across the country. Domestic flights were cancelled on routes serving major airports such as Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, Leeds Bradford, London City, Manchester, and Southampton on Tuesday. Disruption was also reported in other regions, including the south coast, north of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Background on Storm Naming
Storm Chandra is the latest named storm from the western Europe storm naming group, a collaborative list shared between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. This naming system aims to improve public awareness and preparedness for severe weather events, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by such storms in the region.
As the situation evolves, emergency services and local councils continue to monitor conditions closely, advising residents to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety warnings to mitigate risks during this period of adverse weather.
