Storm Chandra Unleashes Travel Chaos and Flooding Across UK
Storm Chandra has brought severe weather conditions to the United Kingdom, resulting in significant travel disruption and widespread flooding. The powerful storm, characterised by torrential rain and strong winds, has prompted the closure of major roads and bridges, while National Rail has issued warnings for potential impacts on services.
Major Road Closures and Transport Disruption
The M48 Severn Bridge has been closed entirely due to the dangerous conditions, while the Humber Bridge has implemented restrictions for high-sided vehicles. Traffic between England and Wales has been diverted to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as a result. Gwent Police confirmed that the A40 was flooded between Abergavenny and Raglan, with additional road closures reported in Dorset, Somerset, and east Devon due to rising water levels.
National Rail has specifically warned about potential disruptions to South Western Railway services. The combination of flooding and strong winds has created hazardous driving conditions across multiple regions, with authorities urging motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Multiple Weather Warnings in Force
The Met Office has issued numerous weather warnings across the country. Amber warnings are currently active for south-west England for rain and for the eastern coast of Northern Ireland for wind. These amber warnings indicate potentially dangerous conditions that could pose a risk to life and property.
Less severe yellow warnings cover extensive areas including southern England, parts of northern England, and Scotland. These warnings encompass rain, wind, and snow hazards, creating a complex weather pattern affecting different regions in various ways.
Specific Regional Impacts and Forecast
In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has warned that gusts of 60-70mph will affect eastern areas, with possible 75mph gusts in coastal locations. Forecasters noted that "easterly winds of this strength are unusual and are likely to be impactful." An amber warning for wind is in place on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland from 5am to 9pm on Tuesday.
Across south-west England, where Storm Ingrid recently caused significant damage, forecasters expect further downpours. An amber warning for rain covers south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset and south-east Cornwall until 9am on Tuesday, where 30-50mm of rain could fall widely with up to 60-80mm over higher ground of south Dartmoor.
Snow Accumulation in Northern Regions
As Storm Chandra interacts with colder air further north, snow has become an additional hazard. The Met Office has warned that 10-20cm of snow could accumulate over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands. Yellow warnings for rain and snow have been issued for the Pennines and south-west Scotland from midnight to 5pm on Tuesday, where 2-5cm of snow could fall widely.
Flood Warnings Across the Country
Early on Tuesday morning, there were 69 flood warnings in place across England, with the majority concentrated in south-west England and four in Yorkshire. Scotland has issued flood warnings for Aberbothrie and the River Isla at Coupar Angus, while Wales has 17 flood alerts active across the country.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen emphasised the complexity of the weather situation: "Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here. Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall."
Safety Advice for Motorists
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender provided crucial safety advice for drivers: "Flooding is highly likely, making many roads dangerous. Our message to drivers is simple: do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it's safe to do so. In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert. Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential."
Mullender added: "And if your vehicle already has known faults, now is not the time to take risks. Avoid unnecessary journeys and get issues fixed promptly by a trusted mobile mechanic or local garage."
Storm Naming and Context
Storm Chandra represents the latest named storm from the western Europe storm naming group list, which is shared between the UK, Ireland and Netherlands. The naming system helps improve communication about severe weather events and their potential impacts.
Forecasters had previously warned that flooding and travel disruption were likely with significant snow across higher ground in some northern parts of England and Scotland. With multiple weather warnings remaining in force, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings for their specific areas.
