Storm Chandra causes flooding, power cuts and major travel disruption across the UK

Storm Chandra is battering parts of the UK with heavy rain, strong winds and snow, leading to flooding, power cuts and widespread travel problems.

Weather warnings are in place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with transport services disrupted and people urged to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Motorists faced severe flooding near Belfast International Airport

Flooding across the country

By Wednesday morning, there were 99 flood warnings in England, meaning flooding was expected, and 260 flood alerts, where flooding was possible. Somerset declared a major incident after around 50 homes were flooded.

Wales had three flood warnings and 16 flood alerts in force, while Scotland recorded eight flood warnings and eight alerts.

In south-west England, heavy rain has fallen on already waterlogged ground, increasing the risk of flooding. Fire crews in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles trapped in floodwater.

Residents in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset described fast-rising water levels and overwhelmed drainage systems, with rivers reaching record heights in some areas.

Travel and school disruption

National Rail warned that poor weather could continue to affect journeys until Friday. Flooded roads, fallen trees and severe weather led to road closures and cancellations across rail, ferry and flight services.

Police urged people not to travel in parts of Devon, including Exeter, while more than 40 schools across the county were fully or partially closed. Some schools in the West Midlands and Northern Ireland also shut due to flooding and high winds.

In Northern Ireland, over 10,000 properties lost power, more than 300 schools closed, and wind gusts reached 80mph. Flights and ferry services from Belfast were cancelled or delayed.

Snow and ice warnings

As skies briefly cleared overnight, freezing temperatures raised the risk of icy roads and pavements, prompting yellow ice warnings across much of the UK.

Snow is expected in northern England, the Pennines and south-west Scotland, with up to 5cm forecast in some areas and up to 20cm on higher ground. A stretch of the A66 between County Durham and Cumbria has already been closed due to snow.

Record rainfall and severe warnings

Several areas, including parts of Northern Ireland, Plymouth and Dorset, recorded new January rainfall records. Severe flood warnings, meaning danger to life, were issued in parts of Dorset and Devon as rivers reached unprecedented levels.

The Met Office says further heavy rain is likely in the south-west on Thursday, raising the risk of more flooding and transport disruption.

Third storm in weeks

Storm Chandra is the third named storm this month, following Storms Ingrid and Goretti, which caused widespread damage and power outages earlier in January.

Forecasters warn that unsettled weather is set to continue, and people in affected areas are being urged to stay alert and follow official advice.