London, Jan 27, 2026 Severe weather brought by Storm Chandra caused widespread disruption across parts of the UK on Tuesday, prompting emergency flood warnings, transport cancellations, and urgent safety alerts as authorities warned of a “danger to life” in some areas.
The south-west of England was among the hardest hit, with torrential rain overwhelming rivers, submerging roads, and forcing residents in low-lying communities to evacuate. Emergency services reported dozens of flood-related incidents overnight, while local councils opened temporary shelters for displaced families.
The Environment Agency issued its highest-level flood warnings for parts of Devon and Somerset, urging people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Police advised motorists to stay off flooded roads, warning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly as rainfall continued.
Rail services were severely disrupted, with several lines suspended due to landslides, fallen trees, and water-logged tracks. Major road closures were reported on key routes, including sections of the A30 and A38, causing long delays for essential traffic.
Airports in the south and west of England reported flight delays and cancellations due to strong winds, while ferry crossings were suspended along parts of the coast as rough seas battered harbors.
Meteorologists said Storm Chandra is part of a broader pattern of increasingly volatile winter weather, bringing intense rainfall combined with powerful gusts. Some areas recorded more than a month’s worth of rain within 24 hours.
Local authorities said flood defenses were overwhelmed in several towns, despite recent infrastructure upgrades. Sandbags were distributed to vulnerable homes, and military planners were placed on standby to assist if conditions worsened.
The Prime Minister’s office said the government was monitoring the situation closely, with emergency funding available for affected councils. Starmer expressed his sympathy to those impacted and praised frontline responders working “around the clock” to keep communities safe.
Climate experts noted that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, placing growing pressure on local infrastructure and emergency planning systems. They warned that without long-term investment in flood resilience, communities will continue to face heightened risks.
For residents, the focus remained on safety and recovery. Schools were closed in several districts, while healthcare services operated on emergency footing. Power outages affected thousands of homes, with engineers racing to restore electricity amid difficult conditions.
The storm is expected to move eastward later this week, though further rain and strong winds remain forecast for parts of England and Wales.
