Storm Chandra Causes Widespread Flooding and Travel Disruption Across the UK
Heavy rain, gale-force winds and snow warnings lead to closures, power outages and transport interruptions as severe weather hits multiple regions
Storm Chandra brought heavy rain, strong winds and travel disruption to large parts of the United Kingdom on Tuesday as numerous weather warnings remained in force.
The Met Office named Chandra in advance of sustained downpours and gusts of up to seventy-five miles per hour in some coastal areas, and issued a mix of amber and yellow warnings covering wind, rain and snow across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Rainfall totals of thirty to eighty millimetres were anticipated in the south-west of England, where ground was already saturated from recent weather systems.{{turn0search0}}{{turn0search2}}
The Environment Agency and other agencies reported a growing number of flood warnings and alerts, with severe flood warnings—indicating danger to life—issued for some river catchments in south-west England.
In Devon and Cornwall, significant surface water and flooding led to submerged roads, multiple road closures and rescues from floodwater.
Local police advised motorists not to travel through affected areas where rivers were still responding to earlier heavy rain.{{turn0search5}}{{turn0search3}}
Travel networks were disrupted by the extreme conditions.
National Rail warned that services, particularly in the south-west of England, could be affected by flooding and track issues for the remainder of Tuesday.
Key road infrastructure, including bridges and major routes, experienced closures or restrictions due to wind and flooding.
Yellow warnings for snow and ice were in place over northern England and parts of Scotland, with snow accumulations forecast for higher ground and some routes impacted.{{turn0search7}}{{turn0search1}}
School closures were reported in some regions, notably in Northern Ireland where strong winds and rain contributed to deteriorating conditions.
Power outages affected thousands of homes and businesses in parts of Northern Ireland, with utility crews working to restore supply amid ongoing weather impacts.
Several regional flight and ferry services were cancelled or delayed due to the storm’s effects on transport infrastructure.{{turn0search2}}{{turn0search1}}
Emergency services responded to a high volume of flooding incidents and fallen trees across road networks, particularly in the north and east of Northern Ireland, where amber wind warnings remained through Tuesday evening.
Authorities urged residents and road users to exercise caution due to rising river levels, flooded surfaces and ongoing wind and rain hazards.
Continued unsettled weather was forecast for the remainder of the week, with further rain and intermittent strong winds expected over parts of the UK.