The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings as Storm Chandra approaches the United Kingdom, threatening to bring a dangerous mix of torrential rain, high winds, and significant snowfall across various regions. Homes and businesses in south-west England are at particular risk of flooding, with amber alerts activated for rain in this area and for wind along the eastern coast of Northern Ireland.
Immediate Threats and Travel Disruption
Forecasters predict that Storm Chandra will unleash wet and windy conditions from Monday night into Tuesday, likely causing widespread travel disruption. Gusty winds are expected to impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and south-west Wales initially, before moving north up the Irish Sea. Eastern parts of Northern Ireland could experience wind gusts reaching up to 75mph, posing additional hazards.
Flooding Concerns in Saturated Regions
Heavy rainfall is a major concern, as it is forecast to fall on areas already saturated from persistent wet weather in recent days. The Met Office anticipates 30-50mm of rain could fall widely, with higher accumulations of 60-80mm possible over the elevated terrain of south Dartmoor in Devon. By Monday morning, the Environment Agency in England had already issued 21 flood warnings, indicating flooding is expected, along with 99 flood alerts where flooding is possible. Natural Resources Wales has also issued two flood alerts.
Snowfall Expected in Northern Areas
In addition to the rain and wind, yellow warnings for snow have been issued for Scotland and northern England. Forecasters predict 2-5cm of snow could fall widely within the warning areas, with accumulations potentially reaching 10-20cm at elevations over 500m. This combination of weather elements increases the risk of hazardous travel conditions and potential isolation for some communities.
Recent Context and Ongoing Incidents
This latest storm follows closely on the heels of Storm Goretti earlier this month, which left a trail of damage across south-west England. Winds of 99mph hit the Isles of Scilly, while thousands of people in Cornwall were left without power, water, and internet services. The storm also brought down thousands of trees, highlighting the region's vulnerability to severe weather events.
Tragically, the dangerous conditions have already impacted local communities. A search continues for a kayaker who went missing after getting into difficulty in the River Exe at Tiverton in Devon on Saturday, with police confirming the kayak has been found. Additionally, a body recovered from the sea off Exmouth in Devon on Sunday is believed to be that of Matthew Upham, one of two swimmers who went missing on Christmas Day. Formal identification is pending, but officers have informed the family of a 64-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton.
Official Warnings and Preparedness
Paul Gundersen, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating: "Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards to the UK through Monday night and Tuesday." Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed through official channels, prepare for potential disruptions, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm.
As the UK braces for Storm Chandra's impact, emergency services and local authorities are on high alert, coordinating responses to mitigate the effects of flooding, wind damage, and snow-related incidents. The public is advised to heed all warnings and take appropriate precautions to ensure safety during this period of severe weather.
