Storm Chandra Unleashes Red Flood Alert in Devon Amid Widespread UK Deluge
A severe red flood warning, indicating a danger to life, has been activated for a river in south-west England as Storm Chandra sweeps across the United Kingdom with torrential rain and powerful winds. The Environment Agency (EA) has issued the alert for Ottery St Mary in Devon, situated on the River Otter, where significant flooding is anticipated on Tuesday morning, with waters expected to be deep and fast-flowing.
Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures
Emergency services and local authorities are collaborating with the EA to manage the crisis. Residents in threatened areas of Ottery St Mary have been advised to relocate family members, pets, and vehicles if it is safe to do so, and to shut off gas, electricity, and water supplies as a precautionary measure. This urgent action aims to mitigate risks and ensure community safety during the extreme weather event.
Widespread Flood Warnings and Travel Disruptions
As Tuesday dawned, the EA reported almost 100 flood warnings across England, signalling that flooding is expected, along with nearly 200 flood alerts indicating possible inundation. Heavy rainfall is exacerbating already saturated ground conditions, with 17 flood alerts also in effect in Wales. The storm has severely impacted travel, leading to the closure of the M48 Severn Crossing between England and Wales due to high winds, while high-sided vehicles are banned from the Humber Bridge in north-east England.
Road closures have been implemented in Dorset, Somerset, and east Devon due to flooding, and Gwent police confirmed that the A40 is flooded between Abergavenny and Raglan in south-east Wales. Rail operators, including National Rail, are urging passengers to check their routes before travelling, as poor weather may disrupt services in south-west England throughout the day.
Amber Weather Warnings and Unusual Wind Patterns
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for rain in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, forecasting 30-50mm of rainfall in these regions, with up to 60-80mm on higher ground, particularly south Dartmoor. A separate amber warning for wind is in force for areas of Northern Ireland, where severe gales could topple trees and create hazardous coastal conditions, with gusts potentially reaching 75mph.
Meteorologists note that winds are originating from a more atypical southeasterly or easterly direction, exposing typically sheltered locations to the brunt of the storm. Additionally, snow is predicted on higher ground in northern UK areas, potentially causing blizzard-like conditions and further complicating the weather scenario.
Ongoing Recovery from Previous Storms
Parts of south-west England are still grappling with the aftermath of Storms Goretti and Ingrid earlier this month. These earlier tempests brought winds of up to 99mph (160km/h) to the Isles of Scilly, leaving thousands in Cornwall without power, water, and internet, and causing widespread tree damage. The cumulative effect of these storms underscores the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The situation remains fluid as authorities monitor developments and coordinate response efforts to protect lives and property across the affected areas.
