Storm Chandra is set to unleash a month's worth of rainfall in just a few hours across parts of the United Kingdom, with widespread weather warnings now in effect. The third named storm of the season is expected to cause severe disruption, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds of up to 80mph, and significant snowfall in some areas.
Amber Warning for Southwest England
An amber warning for rain covers a 161-mile stretch of southwest England from Bournemouth to St Austell. In this region, higher ground could see up to 80mm (3.1 inches) of rainfall within a few hours, which is equivalent to the typical monthly total for January. This intense downpour poses a serious risk of flooding, particularly on already saturated ground.
Flood Alerts and Immediate Dangers
The Environment Agency has issued urgent warnings, including for residents near the River Otter at Ottery St Mary in East Devon. People are advised to move family, pets, and cars to safety, and to turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies due to expected flooding that could endanger lives. Across England, there are 103 'act now' flood warnings and 198 less severe flood alerts in place today.
Yellow Warnings and Snowfall Predictions
Yellow warnings for rain are in force for the entire south coast, the southeast including London, and South Wales, with the last of these expiring at 4pm this afternoon. Further north, the Met Office has issued alerts for heavy snowfall. All of the Pennines from Derbyshire to the Scottish borders are under a dual warning for rain and snow, along with parts of central Scotland and the Highlands, where 10-20cm of snow may accumulate on higher ground.
Strong Winds and Regional Impacts
In areas such as the far end of Cornwall and the Western Isles in Scotland, strong winds of up to 80mph are the primary hazard. The eastern half of Northern Ireland is also affected, with a weather warning remaining in force until 9pm tonight. Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen emphasised the range of hazards, noting that winds could reach 70 to 80mph in vulnerable regions like the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and southwest Wales, which are still recovering from Storm Goretti.
Public Safety and Storm Naming
With this complex spell of weather, authorities are urging the public to stay updated with forecasts and local warnings. Storm Chandra was named by the Met Office as part of a social media campaign that received over 10,000 public suggestions, highlighting the ongoing engagement with weather events across the nation.
