The UK is preparing for Storm Chandra, a major weather system expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snow across much of the country on Tuesday, the Met Office said.
Flooding and travel disruption are likely, with significant snow forecast on higher ground in northern areas. An amber warning for heavy rain covers southwest England on Monday and Tuesday.
Heavy rainfall warnings
The Met Office predicts 30–50mm of rainfall across the region, with 60–80mm on higher ground, particularly south Dartmoor. Saturated ground raises the risk of flooding in these areas.
Yellow rain warnings also cover London, the South East and South West, as well as parts of Wales and Northern Ireland on Monday. Storm Chandra will intensify on Tuesday, spreading severe weather warnings across much of the UK.
Strong winds and snow alert
An amber wind warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, with gusts of 60–70 mph and up to 75 mph in coastal areas.
Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen described the situation as a “complex spell of weather” caused by a deep low-pressure system moving in. He urged people to stay updated with warnings.
“Initially strong winds will hit the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales,” Gundersen said. “These areas are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti. Gusts of 70–80 mph are possible.”
Heavy rain poses an additional risk, especially over Dorset, southern Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. As Chandra moves north, snow becomes a hazard, with 10–20cm expected over the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands.
Yellow alerts are also in place for rain and snow in parts of Scotland, the Midlands, the North East, North West, and Yorkshire. Rain will turn to snow at higher elevations, with 2–5cm above 300m and 10–20cm above 500m.
Warnings for the public
The Met Office warns of flooding, transport delays, power cuts, and landslides. Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads.
Storm Chandra follows closely after Storm Ingrid, which affected southwest England on Friday and Saturday, and Storm Goretti earlier this month.
The storm has been named Chandra according to the UK, Ireland, and Netherlands shared naming list. The next storm will be called David. Other recent storms were named overseas, with Meteo France naming Storm Goretti and Portugal naming Storm Ingrid.
Source: Sky News
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