Storm Chandra has battered the UK with strong winds and heavy rain, triggering more than 200 flood alerts and dozens of flood warnings. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow safety instructions.
Tragically, a lorry driver died in Hampshire after his vehicle crashed into a river in a flood-hit area.
Evacuations in Dorset
In Dorset, residents of the Iford Bridge Home Park near Bournemouth have been told to evacuate immediately. Authorities described the situation as a severe “danger to life” flood risk. Residents were advised to take essential items and medications and prepare for power outages.
Paul Lacey, chairman of the residents’ association, said this is the third time in 10 years that flooding forced him to leave his home. The area has faced repeated flooding, including in January and November 2024.
Somerset Declares Major Incident
Somerset council declared a major incident on Tuesday evening after flooding affected around 50 properties. Local leaders warned that more homes could be flooded despite forecasts predicting drier weather. Eight schools and several roads were closed as a precaution.
Impact Across the UK
Storm Chandra followed closely after Storm Ingrid, meaning heavy rain fell on already saturated ground. By Wednesday afternoon, 87 flood warnings and 207 flood alerts were in place across England. Wales had seven flood alerts, while Scotland reported five warnings and three alerts.
National Rail warned that the poor weather could disrupt journeys across England, Scotland, and Wales until Friday.
Rain, Snow, and Travel Disruptions
Although many areas saw dry weather and sunshine on Wednesday, north-east Scotland continued to face wet and windy conditions. More rain is expected on Thursday and Friday, with 10-20mm forecast in southwest England, which could worsen flooding.
Snow is expected over the Pennines and Southern Uplands on Friday, with 2-7cm predicted above 200m, creating hazardous travel conditions.
Record Rainfall and Power Outages
Tuesday brought record rainfall to locations including Katesbridge in Northern Ireland, Mountbatten in Plymouth, and Hurn in Dorset. Over 10,000 properties lost power in Northern Ireland, and more than 300 schools were closed. Peak wind gusts reached 80mph at Orlock Head on the Ards Peninsula.
Several domestic flights and ferry services were canceled. In the Republic of Ireland, around 20,000 homes, farms, and businesses lost electricity due to the storm.
Historical Impact
Storm Chandra is the third major storm to hit the UK this January, following Ingrid and Goretti. The Met Office described Storm Goretti as one of the most impactful storms to hit Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in over 30 years.
