Storm Chandra Forces Hundreds of UK School Closures Amid Flood and Ice Warnings
Hundreds of schools across the United Kingdom are closed today as Storm Chandra continues to unleash dangerous weather conditions, including icy surfaces and widespread flooding. The Met Office has issued a series of severe weather alerts, prompting significant disruption to education, travel, and daily life.
School Closures and Regional Impact
Over 350 schools have been confirmed closed in Northern Ireland, where an ice warning now covers all regions, replacing yesterday's amber alert. Dozens more schools remain shut across the South West of England, as communities grapple with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Much of mainland UK is under a yellow warning for ice, with exceptions only for the South West, western Wales, and northern Scotland. Parents in England and Wales are advised to check their local school's status directly for updates.
Flood Warnings and Major Incidents
Nearly 100 flood warnings remain active across the UK, with the most severe concentrations in the South West. A major incident has been declared in Somerset, where the council reported extensive flooding overnight and ongoing risks on the Somerset Moors.
In Devon, the River Otter reached its highest recorded level ever, according to local officials, leading to a severe flood warning. Firefighters in Devon and Cornwall rescued 25 people from vehicles trapped in floodwater on Tuesday, highlighting the perilous conditions.
Travel Disruption and Forecast
The severe weather has caused extensive travel chaos, with several roads and rail lines closed nationwide. Many airports are experiencing long delays, and National Rail has warned that disruption is expected to continue until Friday. Trains in Devon, including services to Exeter St Davids, have been cancelled, while speed restrictions are in place across Scotland.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen stated: Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards. Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and southwest Wales, with gusts of 70 to 80mph possible. Heavy rain on saturated ground in Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall poses additional risks. Further north, snow accumulations of 10-20cm are expected over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands.
Five-Day Weather Outlook
Today: Fog and ice will clear, leaving most areas dry with sunny spells. However, patchy rain and mountain snow are expected in north and east Scotland, while Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, and southwest England will be breezy with showers.
Tonight: Low cloud and fog will form across eastern and central areas, with patchy rain. Hill snow is forecast for northeast Scotland, and breezy conditions with showers will persist in the southwest. Frost may develop under clearer spells elsewhere.
Thursday: Rather cloudy and breezy, with some rain and hill snow lingering in the northeast. Showers in the southwest will give way to more persistent rain, while brighter breaks may develop in other regions.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Friday looks unsettled with brisk winds and outbreaks of rain for many. Conditions are expected to brighten and become less breezy over the weekend, though scattered showers will likely continue.
