Storm Chandra is sweeping across the UK on Tuesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and snow to many regions. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including a yellow alert for heavy rain in the South East, which covers much of London, effective from midnight until midday. This warning highlights potential disruption to transport and possible flooding.
A more severe amber warning for rain is in place for parts of the South West, including south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset, and south-east Cornwall, until 9am. The Met Office warns of a danger to life from fast-flowing or deep floodwater, with 30-50mm of rain expected widely and up to 60-80mm over higher ground. An amber wind warning is also active for the eastern coast of Northern Ireland from 5am to 9pm, alongside a yellow rain and wind warning for the whole of Northern Ireland.
Yellow warnings for rain and snow have been issued for the Pennines and south-west Scotland from midnight to 5pm, where 2-5cm of snow could fall widely, with up to 10-20cm on higher ground. Additional yellow warnings cover central Scotland, southern England, northern England, and parts of Scotland, with wind warnings for Cornwall, south-west Wales, northern Devon, and south-west Scotland. As of Tuesday morning, 69 flood warnings were in place across England, mainly in the south-west and Yorkshire, with further warnings in Scotland and 17 flood alerts in Wales.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: 'Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here. Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.' He added that snow could accumulate over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands.
RAC team leader Nick Mullender advised 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.' Storm Chandra is the latest named by the western Europe storm naming group.
