The UK is facing mounting flood warnings and alerts following the impact of Storm Chandra, which brought heavy rain and strong winds across the country on Tuesday. Authorities have issued dozens of flood warnings and over 200 alerts as the storm continues to disrupt life nationwide.
Tragically, a lorry driver lost his life in Hampshire after his vehicle crashed into a river amid flooding conditions, police confirmed. In Dorset, residents have been ordered to evacuate a residential park following a severe “danger to life” flood warning for the Lower Stour near Bournemouth.
A major incident was declared in Somerset on Tuesday evening after approximately 50 properties were affected by floods. Authorities warn that additional disruptions are possible, with a yellow rain warning in effect for south-west England until 03:00 Friday. A new yellow warning has also been issued for Northern Ireland on Friday.
Transport services are also affected, with National Rail warning that severe weather could impact journeys across England, Scotland, and Wales until Friday. In Dorset, residents of Iford Bridge Home Park have been advised to evacuate urgently, carrying essential items and medications. The Environment Agency has emphasized that flooding could pose a danger to life, urging residents to prepare to be away from their homes overnight.
The affected residential area, consisting of about 80 homes on the River Stour, has faced flooding previously in January 2024 and November 2024. Local residents, including chairman Paul Lacey, have described flood disruptions as a recurring ordeal over the past decade.
Despite forecasts of drier weather on Wednesday, Somerset council warns that further flooding remains likely, with eight schools and several roads closed across the county. Storm Chandra, the third named storm of the year, arrived shortly after Storm Ingrid caused widespread damage over the weekend, compounding already saturated grounds.
As of 13:00 GMT Wednesday, England has 87 flood warnings—indicating expected flooding—and 207 alerts where flooding is possible. Wales has seven alerts, with five warnings, while Scotland reports three alerts. Many areas experienced icy patches early Wednesday, but dry weather with sunshine is expected to return.
However, the outlook predicts more rain on Thursday and Friday, with 10-20mm expected in southwest England, raising concerns of further flooding. Additionally, an early Friday snow spell over the Pennines and Southern Uplands could bring 2-7cm of snow above 200 meters altitude, causing challenging travel conditions.
In Devon, flood warnings remain in place for areas such as Upper Frome, Dorchester, and Ottery St Mary—where the River Otter has reached its highest recorded level. Resident Jackie Blackford described the scene as “horrendous” on BBC Radio Devon.
Schools across parts of England and Northern Ireland were closed on Tuesday amid the severe weather. Heavy rainfall set new January records in locations including Katesbridge in Northern Ireland, Mountbatten in Plymouth, and Hurn in Dorset.
Northern Ireland experienced power outages affecting over 10,000 properties, with more than 300 schools closed. Peak wind gusts reached 80mph at Orlock Head on the Ards Peninsula, and several flights and ferry services were canceled.
Across the Republic of Ireland, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) reported around 20,000 homes, farms, and businesses without power. Storm Chandra marks the third major storm to hit the UK in January, following Ingrid and Goretti, the latter being among the most impactful to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in over three decades.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as heavy rainfall and severe weather persist across the UK.