Storm Chandra Unleashes Travel Chaos Across UK: Flights, Ferries and Rail Lines Halted
Travel chaos has returned to the United Kingdom as Storm Chandra sweeps across many parts of the country, triggering widespread disruption to railways, roads, flights, and ferries. Dozens of flights have been grounded, and numerous ferry sailings have been cancelled, while several key rail lines remain blocked due to the severe weather conditions.
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warnings
The Met Office has issued a series of amber and yellow weather warnings for all four nations of the UK. For the eastern part of Northern Ireland, forecasters warn that Storm Chandra will bring very strong winds, leading to potential damage and disruption. The agency states that some roads and bridges are likely to close, with a good chance of power cuts that could affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and properties.
In southern England, an amber warning applies to parts of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. The Met Office highlights that fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life. Spray and flooding are expected to lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with a good chance that some communities will be cut off by flooded roads. Landslides are also possible in prone locations.
Air Travel Severely Impacted
The worst-hit airport is Belfast City, located in the middle of the area affected by the Met Office amber warning for high winds. At least 27 flights across the Irish Sea to Great Britain have been grounded, including 18 Aer Lingus Regional links to a range of British airports, as well as nine British Airways arrivals and departures serving London.
The Scottish airline Loganair has grounded a dozen flights, including links from Manchester to Newquay, Manchester and Liverpool to the Isle of Man, and Glasgow to Campbeltown, Islay, and Tiree. Under air passengers' rights rules, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline and to be provided with meals and hotels until they get there.
Ferry Services Disrupted Across the Seas
Sea travel has also been heavily affected by the storm. The overnight ferries between Liverpool and Belfast in both directions on Stena Line were cancelled, and the morning sailing from Belfast to Liverpool will also remain in port. From Cairnryan to Larne and Belfast in the north of the Irish Sea to links from Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare in the south, almost all sailings are cancelled until late afternoon, with most subsequent departures described as in doubt.
In Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne has cancelled all sailings from Oban to Mull and onwards to Iona, Oban to Barra, Coll and Tiree, Ullapool to Stornoway, and many other routes.
Rail Networks Face Significant Blockages
Rush-hour travellers in England, Wales, and Scotland are facing significant problems due to the storm. The West Coast Main Line is closed between Wilmslow and Crewe in Cheshire due to a failure of the electricity supply and a tree blocking the rail, according to National Rail. Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Northern trains are all affected by this closure.
Several lines in southern England are blocked, including routes between Romsey and Salisbury, Weymouth and Dorchester, Axminster and Honiton, and Exeter and Barnstaple or Okehampton. Speed restrictions are in place between Exeter and Newton Abbot. In Wales, the Swansea to Shrewsbury Heart of Wales line is blocked by a fallen tree. ScotRail has applied speed restrictions to the West Highland line connecting Glasgow with Oban and Fort William.
Road Travel Adversely Affected
Severe weather has prompted the closure of the M48 Severn Bridge, and the Humber Bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles. The RAC is warning drivers that following weeks of heavy rainfall, flooding is likely, and they should not take risks driving with ongoing vehicle faults. The organisation emphasises that in these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert, as wet roads can double stopping distances, making a cautious and steady approach essential.
As Storm Chandra continues to batter the UK, travellers are advised to check for updates and plan accordingly to avoid further disruption.
