A major incident has been declared in Somerset after Storm Chandra caused widespread flooding and disruption across south-west England. The storm brought more than 50mm of rain to parts of the region, leading to around 50 properties being affected in Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel. Somerset Council warned that the risk of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors remains high as rainwater moves through the system.
The storm also brought deep snowfalls to northern Britain and caused travel disruption, with hundreds of schools closed across the UK, including 47 in Devon and 300 in Northern Ireland. In Devon, the River Otter rose to its highest level on record, and Devon and Cornwall Police urged people not to travel in Exeter and east and mid-Devon unless essential. Devon and Somerset Fire Service rescued 25 people from stranded vehicles, with no casualties reported.
Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council, expressed frustration at the region's vulnerability, saying the south-west feels 'let down' by a lack of investment in infrastructure. He highlighted rail disruptions between London and the south-west due to flooding on the line between Taunton and Exeter. Richard Foord, MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, predicted the number of flooded properties would increase, describing the situation as 'horrendous'.
Residents of the Somerset Levels, a low-lying area prone to flooding, feared further damage. The Flooding on the Levels Action Group (Flag) criticised insufficient funding for waterway maintenance and noted that a pumping station was not operating during heavy rain earlier this month due to planned electrical works. Flag spokesperson Bryony Sadler said residents were moving animals and belongings in preparation.
The Met Office reported 105mm of rain fell on parts of Dartmoor in 12 hours, with the strongest wind gusts reaching 75mph at St Bees Head in Cumbria. The storm follows earlier storms Goretti and Ingrid, which also caused significant damage in the region.
