Storm Chandra Brings Travel Chaos Across the UK
The UK is facing significant travel disruption and flooding as Storm Chandra batters the country with strong winds and heavy rain. The severe weather has led to major road closures, rail service warnings, and numerous flood alerts across multiple regions.
Major Bridge Closures and Transport Disruption
The M48 Severn Bridge was completely closed in both directions on Tuesday morning due to dangerous high winds, while The Humber Bridge was shut to all high-sided vehicles. Traffic between England and Wales has been diverted to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as authorities work to manage the hazardous conditions.
National Rail has issued warnings that poor weather may affect South Western Railway services throughout the day, with passengers advised to check before traveling. Several roads in Dorset, Somerset, and east Devon have been closed due to flooding, creating additional challenges for commuters and emergency services.
Severe Weather Warnings in Force
The Met Office has implemented multiple weather warnings across the UK, including amber alerts for south-west England (for rain) and the eastern coast of Northern Ireland (for wind). Forecasters warn that eastern Northern Ireland could experience gusts of 60-70mph, with potential 75mph gusts in coastal areas.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen explained: "Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, with gusts of 70 to 80mph possible here. Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall."
Snow Forecast and Additional Hazards
As Storm Chandra interacts with colder air further north, significant snow accumulations are expected across higher ground. The Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands could see 10-20cm of snow, with 2-5cm forecast more widely in affected areas.
Yellow warnings for rain and snow have been issued for the Pennines and south-west Scotland from midnight to 5pm on Tuesday, with additional yellow warnings covering much of central Scotland from 6am to midnight.
Flood Warnings and Safety Advice
Early Tuesday morning saw 69 flood warnings in place across England, with the majority concentrated in south-west England and four in Yorkshire. Scotland has issued flood warnings for Aberbothrie and the River Isla at Coupar Angus, while Wales has 17 flood alerts active.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender offered crucial advice to drivers: "Flooding is highly likely, making many roads dangerous. Our message to drivers is simple: do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it's safe to do so. In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert."
Regional Impact and Recovery Concerns
The south-west of England, which recently suffered damage from Storm Ingrid that washed away part of a historic pier, faces further challenges with an amber rain warning for south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset, and south-east Cornwall until 9am Tuesday. These areas could see 30-50mm of rain widely, with up to 60-80mm over higher ground of south Dartmoor.
Storm Chandra represents the latest named storm from the western Europe storm naming group list shared between the UK, Ireland, and Netherlands. Authorities emphasize the importance of staying updated with local forecasts and heeding all weather warnings as the complex weather system continues to develop.
