Storm Chandra Aftermath: Fresh Weather Warnings Issued for UK Flooding
The aftermath of Storm Chandra continues to wreak havoc across the United Kingdom, with the Met Office issuing further yellow weather warnings for heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. This persistent storm system has already caused significant disruption, including flooding, travel chaos, and tragically, one fatality.
Active Weather Warnings and Flood Risks
The Met Office has implemented a yellow weather warning for rain in south west England, effective from 9am on Friday until 6am on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, another warning covers regions of Northern Ireland from midnight Friday until 6pm Friday evening. Dozens of flood warnings remain active nationwide, with a major incident declared in Somerset due to severe disruption from earlier downpours.
Forecasters warn that spells of heavy rain will move over Northern Ireland, potentially depositing 10-25mm widely, with 40-60mm over some hills. In southwest England, outbreaks of heavy rain are expected, bringing 10-20mm widely and up to 30mm over moors and west Cornwall. This rainfall, falling on already saturated ground, significantly increases the risk of further flooding and transport disruption.
Impacts and Disruption Across the Nation
The ongoing severe weather has already broken several January daily rainfall records. Earlier this week, a lorry driver died in the New Forest after crashing into a river in the storm's aftermath. The public is advised to expect:
- Longer journey times and cancellations affecting road, rail, air, and ferry services.
- Possible road and bridge closures during the warning periods.
- A small chance of homes and businesses flooding in Northern Ireland, with some communities potentially becoming cut off by flooded roads.
- A slight chance of power cuts and loss of other essential services.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a separate warning for coastal areas in Devon and Cornwall, urging vigilance due to the potential for 15-foot waves surging onto exposed beaches, sea fronts, and harbour walls.
Extended Forecast and Weekend Outlook
The weather warning extends into Saturday, covering Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay in South West England. The broader UK forecast for the coming days remains unsettled:
- Friday: Rather cloudy and breezy with rain moving northwards, bringing snow over some northern hills. Heavier rain and strong winds will develop in the south.
- Saturday to Monday: Conditions will remain unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain affecting most areas, coupled with brisk winds. Further snow is expected on northern hills.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated with the latest Met Office advice and travel information as Storm Chandra's legacy of wet and windy weather persists across the country.
