Storm Chandra continues to cause widespread disruption across the UK, with strong winds and heavy rain leading to school closures, flight cancellations, and flooding. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including an amber alert for Northern Ireland, where 350 schools have closed and 10,000 homes have experienced power cuts.
Winds reached up to 81mph at Orlock Head in County Down, Northern Ireland, posing a threat to life from flying debris and large waves. A yellow warning for rain and wind remains in place for Northern Ireland until Friday evening, with 15-25mm of rainfall expected, and up to 50mm on higher ground.
In south-west England, a yellow warning for rain is in effect from Thursday noon until Friday 3am, with up to 25mm possible in exposed areas. Residents at Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch, Dorset, have been told to evacuate due to a severe flood warning, as the River Stour is expected to experience deep and fast-flowing water.
The Met Office reported that several locations in south-west England, Northern Ireland, and Herefordshire have set new January daily rainfall records. Katesbridge in Northern Ireland recorded its wettest day ever, with 100.8mm of rain in 24 hours, surpassing the previous record of 70.7mm set in August 1986.
