Storm Chandra Unleashes Red Flood Alert in Devon with Widespread UK Impact
A red flood warning, signifying a severe danger to life, has been activated for a river in south-west England as Storm Chandra sweeps across the UK, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds to many regions. The Environment Agency (EA) has issued this critical alert for Ottery St Mary in Devon, situated on the River Otter, with expectations of deep and fast-flowing floodwaters on Tuesday morning.
Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures
Emergency services and local authorities are collaborating closely with the EA to manage the escalating situation. Residents in threatened areas of Ottery St Mary have been advised to take immediate precautions, including moving family members, pets, and vehicles to safety if possible, and turning off gas, electricity, and water supplies to mitigate risks.
As dawn broke on Tuesday, the UK faced a widespread flooding crisis, with almost 100 flood warnings—indicating that flooding is expected—in place across England, and nearly 200 flood alerts—suggesting flooding is possible—adding to the concern. Heavy rainfall is exacerbating already saturated ground conditions, with 17 flood alerts also reported in Wales.
Transport Disruptions and Road Closures
The storm is causing significant travel disruptions throughout the country. The M48 Severn Crossing, a vital link between England and Wales, has been closed due to strong winds, while high-sided vehicles are banned from the Humber Bridge in north-east England. In the south-west, sections of roads in Dorset, Somerset, and east Devon have been shut down due to flooding.
Gwent police have reported that the A40 is flooded between Abergavenny and Raglan in south-east Wales, further complicating travel. Rail operators are urging passengers to check their planned routes before departure, with National Rail warning that poor weather may affect services in south-west England until the end of the day.
Weather Warnings and Forecasted Conditions
An amber weather warning for rain remains in effect on Tuesday morning for parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. The Met Office predicts 30-50mm of rainfall in these areas, with 60-80mm possible across higher ground, particularly south Dartmoor. A second amber warning for wind is in force for parts of Northern Ireland, where severe gales are likely, potentially bringing down trees and creating dangerous coastal conditions, with gusts expected to reach up to 75mph.
The Met Office notes that winds are originating from a more unusual southeasterly or easterly direction, meaning typically sheltered locations may experience the brunt of the storm. Additionally, snow is forecasted to fall on higher ground in parts of northern UK, potentially leading to blizzard-like conditions in some areas.
Ongoing Recovery from Previous Storms
Parts of south-west England are still grappling with the aftermath of Storms Goretti and Ingrid earlier this month. These earlier storms caused widespread damage, including winds of 99mph (160km/h) hitting the Isles of Scilly, leaving thousands in Cornwall without power, water, and internet, and bringing down numerous trees. The cumulative impact of these weather events underscores the region's vulnerability to extreme conditions.
