Storm Chandra Brings Severe Weather Warnings and Disruptions Across the UK
Published 26 January 2026
Highlights
- Storm Chandra has caused over 300 school closures in Northern Ireland due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds.
- The Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings across the UK, with Northern Ireland and south-west England experiencing the most severe impacts.
- Travel disruptions are widespread, with flight cancellations at Belfast City Airport and ferry services between Belfast and Liverpool affected.
- The Environment Agency has issued a red flood warning for Ottery St Mary in south-west England, indicating a danger to life due to expected severe flooding.
- Local authorities and emergency services are on high alert, advising residents to avoid travel and prepare for potential flooding.
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Rewritten Article
Storm Chandra Brings Severe Weather Warnings and Disruptions Across the UK
The UK is grappling with the severe impacts of Storm Chandra, which has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread disruptions. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, with Northern Ireland and south-west England bearing the brunt of the storm.
School Closures and Travel Disruptions
In Northern Ireland, over 300 schools and higher education institutions have closed as a precaution against the severe weather. An amber warning for wind and a yellow rainfall alert are in place, affecting counties such as Armagh, Down, and Londonderry. The storm has also led to significant travel disruptions. Belfast City Airport has canceled more than two dozen flights, and ferry services between Belfast and Liverpool have been suspended. The public is advised to check travel updates and allow extra time for journeys.
Flood Warnings and Emergency Measures
The Environment Agency has issued a red flood warning for Ottery St Mary in south-west England, indicating a danger to life. Residents are urged to move to higher ground and secure their properties. The agency has also issued nearly 100 flood warnings across England, with heavy rain expected to exacerbate already saturated conditions. Local authorities and emergency services are working together to manage the situation, with additional staff on standby to respond to incidents.
Impact on Communities and Infrastructure
Communities in Devon and Cornwall are still recovering from previous storms, and the arrival of Storm Chandra has heightened concerns. Councillor Julian Brazil of Devon County Council expressed the need for government support to bolster flood defenses. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has committed to investing £10.5 billion in flood protection by 2036. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is actively working to mitigate the impact of flooding and support affected communities.
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Scenario Analysis
As Storm Chandra continues to impact the UK, the focus will remain on managing immediate risks and ensuring public safety. The Met Office's warnings suggest that the storm's effects could persist, with potential for further disruptions. In the longer term, the frequency and intensity of such storms may prompt a reevaluation of flood risk management strategies and infrastructure resilience. Experts emphasize the importance of community preparedness and government investment in mitigating the impacts of climate change on weather patterns.
The UK is grappling with the severe impacts of Storm Chandra, which has brought heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread disruptions. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, with Northern Ireland and south-west England bearing the brunt of the storm.
School Closures and Travel Disruptions
In Northern Ireland, over 300 schools and higher education institutions have closed as a precaution against the severe weather. An amber warning for wind and a yellow rainfall alert are in place, affecting counties such as Armagh, Down, and Londonderry. The storm has also led to significant travel disruptions. Belfast City Airport has canceled more than two dozen flights, and ferry services between Belfast and Liverpool have been suspended. The public is advised to check travel updates and allow extra time for journeys.
Flood Warnings and Emergency Measures
The Environment Agency has issued a red flood warning for Ottery St Mary in south-west England, indicating a danger to life. Residents are urged to move to higher ground and secure their properties. The agency has also issued nearly 100 flood warnings across England, with heavy rain expected to exacerbate already saturated conditions. Local authorities and emergency services are working together to manage the situation, with additional staff on standby to respond to incidents.
Impact on Communities and Infrastructure
Communities in Devon and Cornwall are still recovering from previous storms, and the arrival of Storm Chandra has heightened concerns. Councillor Julian Brazil of Devon County Council expressed the need for government support to bolster flood defenses. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has committed to investing £10.5 billion in flood protection by 2036. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is actively working to mitigate the impact of flooding and support affected communities.
What this might mean
As Storm Chandra continues to impact the UK, the focus will remain on managing immediate risks and ensuring public safety. The Met Office's warnings suggest that the storm's effects could persist, with potential for further disruptions. In the longer term, the frequency and intensity of such storms may prompt a reevaluation of flood risk management strategies and infrastructure resilience. Experts emphasize the importance of community preparedness and government investment in mitigating the impacts of climate change on weather patterns.
