Storm Chandra has caused severe flooding, powerful winds and major disruption across large parts of the UK, with red flood warnings – the most serious level – issued for parts of Devon and Dorset.
The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed that two red flood warnings, meaning there is a risk to life, are active for rivers in south-west England. The most serious situation is in Ottery St Mary, Devon, where the River Otter is expected to reach its highest level ever recorded.
Severe Flooding Threat in Devon and Dorset
The EA warned that severe flooding is expected on Tuesday, urging residents in at-risk areas to act quickly if it is safe to do so. People were advised to:
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Move family members, pets and vehicles to higher ground
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Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies
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Avoid floodwater and follow emergency instructions
In Dorchester, Dorset, officials warned that properties near the Upper River Frome could flood. River levels reached 1.18 metres at Stinsford, exceeding the level at which property flooding becomes likely.
Emergency Services Respond as Travel Grinds to a Halt
Devon and Cornwall Police advised people to avoid travel in Exeter and parts of east and mid Devon unless absolutely necessary. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had rescued people from 25 vehicles stranded in floodwater.
Devon County Council said some areas were effectively cut off, with fallen trees blocking key roads. As a result, dozens of schools across the region were closed.
Heavy Rain, Strong Winds and Snow Add to Disruption
The Met Office reported extreme rainfall across the south-west:
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105mm of rain fell on parts of Dartmoor in just 12 hours
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Ground was already saturated, increasing flood risk
Strong winds were recorded across the UK, including:
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75mph gusts at St Bees Head, Cumbria
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63mph at Machrihanish, western Scotland
Unusually, winds came from south-easterly and easterly directions, meaning locations normally sheltered were badly affected. Forecasters also warned of snow and blizzard-like conditions on higher ground in northern England, including parts of the Pennines.
Hundreds of Flood Warnings Issued Nationwide
By Tuesday lunchtime:
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Over 100 flood warnings were in force in England
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More than 200 flood alerts were active
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Wales had six flood warnings and more than 20 alerts
Flood warnings mean flooding is expected, while alerts indicate flooding is possible.
Major Transport Disruption Across the UK
Storm Chandra caused widespread transport problems:
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Road closures across Dorset, Somerset, east Devon and south Wales
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Parts of the A66 closed in Cumbria and County Durham due to snow
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Rail lines blocked in Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Devon
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Several London–Exeter trains cancelled
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No rail services between Swansea and Shrewsbury due to fallen trees
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, flights and ferry crossings were cancelled or delayed. An amber wind warning remained in place for parts of Northern Ireland, while tens of thousands of people lost power across the island of Ireland.
Region Still Recovering From Earlier Storm Damage
The south-west is still recovering from Storms Goretti and Ingrid earlier this month, which caused widespread damage. Winds of 99mph hit the Isles of Scilly, leaving thousands in Cornwall without electricity, water and internet access, while thousands of trees were brought down.
Safety Advice for Residents
Authorities continue to urge people to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel
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Stay away from rivers and floodwater
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Monitor official updates from the Met Office and Environment Agency
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Call emergency services only if there is immediate danger
Further weather warnings remain in place as Storm Chandra continues to affect large parts of the UK.
