Storm Chandra is currently moving across the United Kingdom, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snowfall. The storm is progressing from the southwest, and the Met Office has cautioned that nearly a month’s worth of rain could fall in just a few hours.
Various regions are expected to experience heavy snowfall and intense winds of up to 80mph, with weather alerts issued for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The storm is projected to cause significant disruptions lasting well into the evening.
An amber rain warning is in effect for southwest England, spanning from Bournemouth to St Austell, with up to 80mm of rainfall anticipated in higher altitude areas. Additionally, multiple yellow warnings cover the entire south coast, south-east, and South Wales.
Our live weather tracker is monitoring the movement of Storm Chandra as it traverses Britain, indicating potential impacts on travel due to road closures, fallen trees, and disrupted flights and trains affecting commuters.
The Met Office has issued snow alerts for northern regions, with areas from Derbyshire to the Scottish borders expecting up to eight inches of snow on elevated terrain. More than 100 flood warnings, including a ‘danger to life’ alert, have been issued, leading to the closure of nearly 300 schools.
The Met Office’s forecast states, “Storm Chandra will bring persistent heavy rain, clearing northeastwards on Tuesday morning. Rainfall amounts between 30-50mm are expected widely, potentially reaching 60-80mm in certain elevated regions, notably south Dartmoor.”
“Given the saturated ground, flooding and disruptions are likely, especially on Tuesday morning. Strong southeasterly winds are also predicted,” the forecast continues.
Storm Chandra is anticipated to bring strong easterly to southeasterly winds to southwest Scotland on Tuesday, with gusts of 50-60 mph likely, particularly along exposed coastlines. Coastal areas may face additional impacts from large waves.
The weather warnings for snow cover regions as far south as Derbyshire and Staffordshire, with additional alerts, including amber warnings, issued for rain and wind conditions.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Avalanche Information Service has issued six avalanche warnings due to unstable snow accumulation on high ground, posing risks to lower areas.
Paul Gundersen, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, emphasized the snow hazard as Storm Chandra interacts with colder air, potentially resulting in 10-20cm of snow accumulation in the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands. Gundersen advised staying updated on forecasts and local warnings.
As Chandra brings high winds and heavy rain, the Environment Agency has released over 100 flood warnings for parts of England. Most of these warnings, totaling 103, indicate expected flooding, particularly in southern and western England. Notably, a ‘danger to life’ severe flood warning is in place for Ottery St. Mary in Devon, accompanied by 200 flood alerts signaling potential flooding.
