Published January 27, 2026 9:38am | Updated January 27, 2026 9:51am
Storm Chandra Unleashes Travel Chaos Across the UK
The United Kingdom is grappling with yet another severe winter storm, barely having recovered from previous disruptions, as Storm Chandra makes landfall with full force. Torrential rain, powerful winds, and even snowfall in some regions have triggered multiple Met Office weather warnings, wreaking havoc on the nation's transport infrastructure. From flooded roads to closed railway lines and grounded flights, the impact is widespread and severe.
Roads in Peril: Drivers Rescued from Rising Waters
In Devon and Cornwall, emergency services have been called into action to rescue drivers trapped in floodwater. Police have issued urgent warnings, advising motorists to avoid travel in Exeter, East Devon, and Mid Devon due to treacherous conditions. Devon and Cornwall Police stated: ‘Motorists are also being asked not to attempt alternative routes around the affected areas as these are also becoming treacherous, with the fire services currently dealing with several incidents of cars becoming stuck in water.’
In Axminster, East Devon, firefighters responded to Weycroft, where several vans and an SUV were caught in rapidly rising water. Axminster Fire Station emphasised the dangers after multiple rescues: ‘Flood water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears. Driving through it can quickly lead to vehicles becoming stranded and lives being put at risk. Please do not drive through flood water – turn around and find an alternative route.’
The Severn Bridge was closed in both directions for hours this morning due to strong gusts, though it reopened shortly after 8am. Numerous local roads in Devon and Cornwall have become impassable, including:
- A30 Daisy Mount – both directions
- A30 – closed either end of Honiton London Road, Cranbrook junction at Gribble Lane
- A3052 Clyst St Mary, both approach at Cat and Fiddle and approach from Clyst St George
- A377 – impassable at Downes and Newton St Cyres
- A303 Upottery B3177 Iron Bridge
- A382 Wray Barton A396 Stoke Canon
- B3181 Five Bridges, Cullompton
- A379 Station Road, Dawlish
- A3052 Boshill Hill A358 Weycroft Bridge
Rail Network Disrupted by Flooding and Obstructions
The railway system is facing significant closures due to flooding from heavy downpours. Passengers between Wilmslow and Crewe should expect major disruption until the end of the day following an electricity supply failure and a tree blocking the line. National Rail has warned that services operated by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern, and Transport for Wales are affected.
Several routes have been shut after becoming waterlogged:
- Between Par and Newquay, Cornwall
- Between Castle Cary and Taunton, Somerset
- Between Salisbury, Wiltshire, and both Southampton Central and Romsey in Hampshire
- Between Eastleigh and Fareham, Hampshire
- Between Exeter St Davids and both Okehampton and Barnstaple in Devon
The Island Line, often dubbed the UK’s most exotic railway line for its floating appearance, will not stop at Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade until midday due to rough weather conditions.
Flight Cancellations and Delays at Major Airports
Air travel has not been spared from Storm Chandra's wrath, with dozens of planes grounded across the country. At Leeds Bradford Airport, pilots navigated strong crosswinds as the area remained under a yellow warning for rain and snow. Belfast City Airport is among the worst hit, with approximately 15 departures and 15 arrivals cancelled. Airlines affected include British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Aer Lingus Regional.
Manchester Airport experienced cancellations and delays this morning, impacting flights to destinations such as Paris, Helsinki, and Belfast, according to Flightradar24. The regional operator Loganair has cancelled at least 12 flights today, including routes between Manchester and Newquay, Liverpool and the Isle of Man, and between Glasgow and Islay, Campbelltown, and Tiree.
Heathrow Airport is mostly operating as usual, though some delays and cancellations are listed on departure boards. For instance, the 8.40am Aer Lingus flight to Belfast was cancelled, while the 8.45am easyJet flight to Belfast is delayed until around 11am.
As Storm Chandra continues to batter the British Isles, authorities urge the public to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected throughout the day as emergency services work to manage the fallout from this severe weather event.
