Storm Chandra Causes Flooding, Travel Disruption Across the UK

• Jan 27, 2026

Storm Chandra has swept across large parts of the UK, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread flooding that is disrupting travel and daily life. The storm, the third named of the year, has led to road closures, rail, ferry, and flight cancellations, as well as school closures in parts of England and Northern Ireland, where thousands of homes are without power.

Yellow weather warnings for rain, wind, and snow remain in place across England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland, including Belfast, is under an amber warning for strong winds. This comes just days after Storm Ingrid caused significant disruption over the weekend.

In south-west England, already saturated ground is increasing the risk of flooding. Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles trapped in floodwater on Tuesday morning. Reports indicate around 20 properties across Devon and Cornwall have been flooded, a number expected to rise as river levels peak. Residents such as Oliver Kimber in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, described fast-moving floodwaters overwhelming drains and surrounding lanes.

The Environment Agency has issued a severe flood warning, indicating a danger to life, for Upper Frome in Dorchester, while dozens of other warnings and alerts are in place nationwide. Earlier on Tuesday, Ottery St Mary, Devon, ended a severe warning after the River Otter reached its highest recorded level. Jackie Blackford, who lives nearby, described the river as a “raging torrent” and said she had “never seen anything like it.” Sections of roads in Dorset, Somerset, and eastern Devon have been closed due to flooding and fallen trees. Police are urging people not to travel in Exeter and across east and mid-Devon. More than 40 schools in Devon alone have been partially or fully closed.

The Met Office predicts further heavy rain in the south-west on Thursday, which may worsen flooding and transport disruption. Some schools in the West Midlands are also closed, while flood warnings remain in parts of Yorkshire. Rain and snow are expected across northern England and parts of Scotland, with up to 5cm of snow on low ground and 20cm on higher ground. A section of the A66 in County Durham and Cumbria has already been closed due to snow. Flood alerts remain active in southern Wales, including the River Monnow at Osbaston and along the Afon Lwyd, where the A40 between Abergavenny and Raglan is affected.

Residents are advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow local authorities’ safety guidance as Storm Chandra continues to impact the UK.