Storm Chandra Triggers UK Weather Warnings, Road Closures, and Flood Alerts

National Highways closed multiple main roads across the South West, warning drivers against attempting to navigate deep floodwater. The A30 in Devon remains shut between Ottery St Mary and Exeter Airport as water levels continue to rise.

Parts of Devon, Somerset, Dorset, and southeast Cornwall face up to 50mm of rain, while exposed areas brace for 70mph winds. Saturated ground from previous storms has significantly increased the risk of severe flooding impacts across the region.

The River Otter peaked at a record 2.82 metres at the Fenny Bridges Gauge on Tuesday morning. Forecasters warned that deep, fast-flowing water would remain a threat through the early afternoon.

The M48 Severn Bridge was closed in both directions due to dangerous gusts, while the Humber Bridge remains shut to high-sided vehicles. Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles trapped in floodwater on Tuesday morning.

Devon and Cornwall Police reported widespread disruption across Exeter, East, and Mid Devon, where many roads have become impassable. The A40 is currently blocked between Abergavenny and Raglan due to significant flooding.

Wintry conditions are set to sweep the country this week, with yellow weather warnings issued for snowfall on January 26 and 27. The most substantial accumulations are predicted across Scotland and northern England, beginning at 6 AM on Tuesday.

Greater Manchester, the East Midlands, and the North East are under a yellow rain and snow warning until 5 PM Tuesday. The UK Health Security Agency activated cold-health alerts for northern England as temperatures are expected to plummet below freezing.

This sharp drop in temperature will likely create icy patches on untreated surfaces and motorways. A second amber warning for wind is in force for parts of Northern Ireland, where severe gales are expected to lash the coast.

Dozens of flights and ferry sailings have been cancelled, with Belfast City Airport reporting at least 27 grounded flights across the Irish Sea. National Rail warned that poor weather will likely disrupt South Western Railway services until the end of the day.

Met Office experts warned that landslides are possible in prone locations and flying debris poses a genuine danger to life. Coastal roads and properties face threats from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts.

Homes and businesses face potential flood damage, while train and bus services remain subject to sudden cancellations. Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks stated that naming storms is a critical tool to ensure the public takes notice of these hazards.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen said Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards through Tuesday. He noted that easterly winds of this strength are unusual and likely to cause significant impact across the UK.

RAC mobile servicing leader Nick Mullender warned that flooding has made many roads dangerous for all vehicles. Jo Farrow of Netweather TV attributed the storm's intensity to deep North American cold powering up the jetstream.

Honiton and Sidmouth MP Richard Foord noted that flooding is expected to persist throughout the day as heavy rain continues. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel.