Multiple major roads across the South West of the United Kingdom have been forced to close as Storm Chandra unleashes torrential downpours upon the region. National Highways has issued urgent warnings to motorists, advising against any attempts to drive through floodwater, as the intense rainfall from the storm falls onto already saturated ground, significantly elevating the risk of widespread flooding.
Amber Weather Warnings Issued Across the Region
The Met Office has activated amber weather warnings for rain across a substantial portion of the South West on Tuesday, January 27. Forecasters are predicting that Storm Chandra will bring extensive heavy rain coupled with powerful winds, creating hazardous conditions that are likely to make driving extremely challenging. The amber warning zone encompasses Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay.
Specific meteorological projections indicate that parts of Devon, Somerset, Dorset, and southeast Cornwall could receive between 30 and 50 millimetres of rainfall. Over elevated terrain, such as the southern areas of Dartmoor, accumulations could reach a more substantial 60 to 80 millimetres. Furthermore, exposed locations should prepare for potentially damaging wind gusts reaching speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour.
Ground Saturation Exacerbates Flooding Risks
This latest storm arrives in quick succession after the UK was battered by both Storm Goretti and Storm Ingrid. This prolonged period of exceptionally wet weather has left the ground thoroughly saturated, meaning it has a drastically reduced capacity to absorb further rainfall. Consequently, any additional precipitation from Storm Chandra is far more likely to result in rapid surface water runoff and significant flooding incidents.
List of Major Road Closures
In response to the dangerous conditions, National Highways has been compelled to close several critical arterial routes. The following roads are currently impassable:
- A30 – East Devon: Closed in both directions between the B3174/B3180 junctions near Ottery St Mary and the B3184 for Exeter Airport due to significant flooding. National Highways reports that standing water has rendered the route completely impassable, with conditions remaining hazardous.
- A303 – Somerset/Devon Border: Closed in both directions between the A30 at Upottery and the A358 at Horton Cross because of flooding. Area team crews are on the scene working to clear floodwater from the carriageway, with police providing assistance.
- A35 – Dorset: Closed in both directions between the A352 Max Gate junction and the B3150 Stinsford Roundabout near Dorchester. Surface water is affecting the carriageway, and National Highways has declared the route unsafe for all traffic at this time.
Drainage Systems Under Strain
National Highways has provided further insight into the challenges posed by such intense rainfall events. Specialist teams are being deployed to assess carriageway drainage systems, including gullies, culverts, and ditches. These systems are being checked for blockages caused by leaves, silt, and other debris carried by the fast-falling rain.
The travel authority emphasised a critical point: "If drainage systems are overwhelmed or obstructed, water cannot recede naturally, which can significantly prolong road closure times." In some severe cases, pumps must be deployed to remove large volumes of water. However, this measure is only effective if the downstream drainage networks are also functioning correctly and are not already operating at full capacity.
Urgent Advice for Road Users
National Highways is urging all road users to exercise extreme caution. The primary advice is for drivers to plan their journeys meticulously ahead of time, avoid any non-essential travel where possible, and allow for considerable extra time if a journey is unavoidable.
The authority issued a stark and clear warning: "Drivers should be aware that surrounding local roads may also be affected by flooding and should not attempt to drive through floodwater." Attempting to navigate floodwater poses severe risks to both vehicle occupants and emergency responders.
