The Met Office issued 112 flood alerts and 21 flood warnings ahead of the storm’s arrival overnight, warning of possible power cuts, travel disruption and flooding.
Storm Chandra is expected to hit parts of Cornwall and Devon hardest, raising concerns for communities still recovering from the damage caused by Storm Goretti and Storm Ingrid in recent weeks.
Weather Warnings and Disruption
Yellow rain warnings are in force across large parts of Wales, England and Scotland, while amber weather warnings have been issued for southwest England and Northern Ireland.
More than 200 schools in Northern Ireland have been closed as a precaution, and several major roads across the UK have been shut due to flooding and dangerous driving conditions.
Met Office Warns of Multiple Hazards
Paul Gundersen, a forecaster at the Met Office, said Storm Chandra would bring a complex range of weather hazards through Monday night and Tuesday.
“Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales, with gusts of 70 to 80mph possible,” he said. “Heavy rain is an additional concern, particularly as it falls on already saturated ground across parts of Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.”
He added that colder air moving south could introduce further risks.
“As Chandra interacts with colder air further north, snow becomes a hazard, with 10 to 20 centimetres potentially accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands. It’s important people stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.”
Snow and Coastal Damage
Significant snowfall is expected across higher ground in northern England and Scotland, while heavy rainfall continues to pose a flood risk in the southwest.
Over the weekend, sections of Teignmouth Grand Pier in Devon were washed away, and parts of the town’s sea wall collapsed after relentless waves battered the coastline.
Flood Risk Remains High
The Environment Agency warned of a heightened risk of river flooding across multiple regions.
Chris Wilding, the agency’s flood duty manager, said teams were working to reduce the impact of flooding and support affected communities.
“We urge people not to drive through floodwater,” he said. “It is often deeper than it looks, and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car.”
Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel and follow guidance from emergency services as Storm Chandra continues to affect large parts of the country.
