The aftermath of Storm Chandra continues to impact communities across England, with nearly 150 flood alerts remaining in force as authorities monitor persistently high water levels. While the most severe "danger to life" warning for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park in Bournemouth has been lifted, the Environment Agency has cautioned that conditions remain hazardous, advising evacuated residents to await official guidance before returning home.
Multiple Weather Warnings Issued
The Met Office has implemented a series of yellow rain alerts across various regions, signalling ongoing concerns about further flooding. A warning spanning from noon to midnight on Thursday covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay and Wiltshire, with potential impacts on roads, homes and businesses.
Additional warnings have been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, specifically targeting Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay from 6am Friday until 9am Saturday. Forecasters predict that heavy rainfall could lead to power cuts, travel disruption and renewed flooding incidents.
Somerset Declares Major Incident
In Somerset, where 147 properties have already been flooded according to Environment Agency figures, local authorities have declared a major incident. Council leader Bill Revans reported that emergency teams worked "through the night" responding to numerous reports of impassable roads.
"Our priority is to support our most vulnerable residents and to make sure people are aware that help is available," Revans stated, highlighting the ongoing response efforts in affected communities.
Current Flood Status Across England
As of Thursday, 66 flood warnings indicating expected flooding remained active across England, accompanied by 149 flood alerts warning of possible flooding. The Environment Agency continues to monitor river levels closely, particularly in areas that experienced significant inundation during the storm.
In Northern Ireland, a separate yellow warning for rain has been issued from midnight to 6pm on Friday, extending the weather concerns beyond mainland England.
Coastal Hazards and Further Forecast
The RNLI has issued warnings for coastal areas in Devon and Cornwall, where waves reaching up to 15 feet (4.6 metres) could potentially top seafronts and harbour walls. This adds another dimension to the flooding risks affecting communities already dealing with riverine flooding.
A Met Office spokesperson detailed the forecast for Friday morning, noting that "outbreaks of heavy rain were expected to arrive across Cornwall," with rainfall totals potentially reaching 30mm (approximately 1 inch) in elevated areas and western Cornwall. Strong winds are also anticipated to accompany the precipitation.
The situation remains fluid as emergency services and local authorities continue their response to Storm Chandra's lingering effects, with particular attention on vulnerable residents and infrastructure recovery.
