Storm Chandra Triggers Widespread Disruption Across UK
Record rainfall, transport chaos, and school closures mark the storm's passage.
Callum Smith
Storm Chandra has triggered widespread disruption across the United Kingdom, leading to a 'major incident' declaration in Somerset, extensive flooding, and significant travel and educational interruptions.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for ice, cautioning that icy patches are likely to develop on untreated surfaces and pose a risk of slips and falls.
There is a small but significant chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing a danger to life, highlighting the immediate risks faced by communities.
Domestic flights were cancelled on routes serving several airports, adding to the widespread travel chaos caused by the storm.
In Devon, 47 schools were closed as a direct result of the adverse weather, while more than 300 schools shut their doors across Northern Ireland.
Katesbridge in County Down recorded its wettest ever day with 100.8mm of rain falling in a 24-hour period. This figure represents a significant portion of typical winter rainfall for the region.
The River Otter surged to an unprecedented 2.83 metres, overwhelming its banks and contributing to the severe flooding experienced in the affected areas.
The M5 southbound carriageway between Cullompton and Exeter was closed on Wednesday morning due to flooding, causing significant delays and diversions for motorists.
Great Western Railway advised passengers not to travel between Exeter St Davids and both Okehampton and Barnstaple. Services in Somerset and Cornwall were also cancelled on Wednesday.
Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles trapped in floodwater on Tuesday, demonstrating the perilous conditions faced by those caught in the deluge.
Tragically, a lorry driver died in the New Forest after their vehicle crashed into a river, marking a fatal incident directly linked to the storm's impact.
River levels were expected to peak at 3.66 metres at approximately 2pm on Wednesday, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
In the Republic of Ireland, the River Slaney burst its banks, affecting approximately 30 homes and 20 businesses in Enniscorthy town.
A woman was taken to hospital after a tree fell on a car in the Snowhill Road area, Lisbellaw, on Tuesday morning, indicating the danger posed by high winds.
A large sinkhole measuring eight metres by 3.5 metres appeared near the railway line between Dawlish and Teignmouth, disrupting rail infrastructure.
Northern Ireland Electricity confirmed that all homes left without power after Storm Chandra have now been reconnected, bringing relief to affected households.
The Strangford Ferry resumed operations after being suspended for much of Tuesday, indicating a gradual return to normalcy in some transport services.
The BetMcLean Cup semi-final between Glentoran and Coleraine has been postponed due to damage and flooding caused by Storm Chandra at the venue.
Speed restrictions were expected to remain on rail services between Edinburgh, Inverness, and Glasgow Queen Street until 10am on Wednesday. Broader travel disruption is anticipated until Friday.
Richard Foord, the Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, reported around 20 flooded properties in Devon and Cornwall, highlighting the localized impact of the storm.
Nathan Rao claims that Britain is ill-prepared for worsening flooding, a sentiment that may gain traction as extreme weather events become more frequent.
Yesterday's amber warning in Northern Ireland was replaced with an ice warning covering all regions, signalling a shift in the immediate weather threat.
Some locations have already seen more than a typical winter's worth of rainfall, despite being only halfway through the meteorological winter.
A total of 93 areas across the UK are at risk of serious injury due to the hazardous weather conditions brought by Storm Chandra.
Related Keywords
Weather WarningEnglandScotlandWeatherNorthern IrelandMet OfficeEmergency ServicesFloodingFloodsLondonEnvironment AgencyUk WeatherWalesStorm ChandraIreland