Closing summary
Tomorrow, the Met Office has issued a warning about ice for parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. There is also a yellow warning for rain covering south-west England on Thursday.
The Environment Agency said the River Otter at Fenny Bridges, close to Ottery St Mary, has reached its highest recorded level, surpassing the previous record set in December 2000. Levels reached 2.81m on 7 December that year but were at 2.83m at 5.45am on Tuesday, with a severe flood warning issued five minutes later due to predicted overtopping of flood defences.
The severe danger-to-life flood warning for the River Otter at Ottery St Mary has been lifted after the Environment Agency said water levels, which earlier reached a record high, have now fallen at the nearest monitoring point. Flood warnings remain in place for parts of the river, while a severe danger-to-life warning continues for the Upper Frome in Dorchester and more than 100 other flood warnings are still active elsewhere.
The wind, rain and warnings of worse to come prompted more than 300 schools and higher education providers in Northern Ireland to close on Tuesday. Belfast City and Belfast International airports cancelled dozens of flights and the ferry operator Stena Line cancelled some sailings between Belfast and Liverpool and other routes across the Irish Sea.
The poor weather is expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with the Met Office issuing a yellow-level warning for ice for all of Northern Ireland between 3am and 10am.
In the Republic of Ireland, ESB said around 20,000 homes, farms and businesses lost power as a result of the storm. Dublin Fire Brigade said it had responded to a number of flooding incidents in the city.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of ice on Wednesday for large parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland, central Scotland, the Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East, the north of England and parts of Wales. “Patchy ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces by Wednesday morning and may lead to some disruption,” a Met Office spokesman said.
There have been six flood warnings issued by Natural Resources Wales. These warn flooding is expected along the Afon (River) Lwyd in Ponthir, Llanyrafon, Croesyceiliog and Pontnewynydd. Warnings are also in place for the River Monnow at Skenfrith and Osbaston, in south-east Wales.
Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles in flood water on Tuesday morning. A spokesman for Devon + Somerset Fire + Rescue Service confirmed there were no casualties. Axminster Fire Station posted images of multiple vehicles in flood water on Facebook.
Ferry operator Stena Line cancelled numerous sailings on Tuesday morning because of “adverse weather”. These include between Belfast and Liverpool, between Belfast and Cairnryan in Scotland, between Dublin and Holyhead in North Wales, and between Fishguard in Pembrokeshire and Rosslare in Ireland.
Scottish regional airline Loganair cancelled at least 12 flights on Tuesday. The affected routes are between Manchester and both Newquay and the Isle of Man, between Liverpool John Lennon and the Isle of Man, and between Glasgow and Islay, Campbeltown and Tiree.
The severe danger-to-life flood warning for the River Otter at Ottery St Mary has been lifted after the Environment Agency said water levels, which earlier reached a record high, have now fallen at the nearest monitoring point.
Flood warnings remain in place for parts of the river, while a severe danger-to-life warning continues for the Upper Frome in Dorchester and more than 100 other flood warnings are still active elsewhere.
Jackie Blackford, who lives in Ottery St Mary, told BBC Radio Devon that she could see the River Otter from her home.
She said: “I live on a hill overlooking part of the Otter and it’s normally quite a nice little river.
“At the moment, it’s a raging torrent. It is horrendous - I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Blackford said there had been a lot of traffic trying to get out of Ottery St Mary and she had seen people turning around.
The poor weather is expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with the Met Office issuing a yellow-level warning for ice for all of Northern Ireland between 3am and 10am.
In the Republic of Ireland, ESB said around 20,000 homes, farms and businesses lost power as a result of the storm.
Dublin Fire Brigade said it had responded to a number of flooding incidents in the city.
In Dundalk, firefighters rescued two crew members of an ambulance which was tuck in floodwater under the Castletown Road railway bridge at around 6am.
Tomorrow, the Met Office has issued a warning about ice for parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
There is also a yellow warning for rain covering south-west England on Thursday.
To see details of all those warning, including what precautions to take, visit the Met Office site here.
What weather warnings are still in place today?
The Met Office currently has the following weather warnings still in place today:
Amber warning for wind until 9pm
Met Office says: “Storm Chandra will bring very strong winds, leading to the potential for damage and disruption”
Areas affected: County Antrim, County Down, County Londonderry
Yellow warning for rain and wind until midnight
Met Office says: “Heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Chandra on Tuesday may lead to some flooding and disruption”
Areas affected: County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, County Tyrone
Yellow warning for rain and snow until midnight
Met Office says: “Heavy rain will turn to snow on high ground and may lead to some transport and power disruption”
Areas affected: Angus, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Argyll and Bute
Yellow warning for rain until 3pm
Met office says: “Heavy rain may lead to some travel and power disruption”
Areas affected: Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire
Yellow warning for wind until midnight
Met Office says: “Storm Chandra will bring strong winds, perhaps leading to some disruption”
Areas affected: Dumfries and Galloway, Strathclyde, Argyll and Bute, South Ayrshire
Yellow warning for wind until 4pm
Met Office says: “Storm Chandra bringing a chance of travel disruption from very strong south to southwesterly winds”
Areas affected: Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Swansea
Updated
While much of Devon and the south faces flooding and major rainfall due to Storm Chandra, further north in County Durham snow is disrupting daily life for many. Here some pictures from news agencies of the scenes in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
In other sporting news, horse racing at Exeter racecourse has also been cancelled for tomorrow.
Posting on their website, the organisers said that the track was “waterlogged and unraceable” and “with further significant rainfall forecast over the next 48 hours, there will not be sufficient improvement in conditions”.
Given that the current pictures we are seeing from Exeter today, it is perhaps, not surprising that racing is not going ahead.
Updated
A number of football matches scheduled for this evening have now been postponed due to poor weather conditions.
In the West Midlands, League One’s Port Vale FC has been postponed a match this evening against AFC Wimbledon due to “large amounts of standing water”.
In League Two, Cheltenham Town v Gillingham has also been called off due to the pitch being waterlogged.
Also in League Two, Oldham Athletic against Barrow will not go ahead.
Near the Welsh border in Hereford, a game between National League team Hereford FC and Oxford City has also been called off for this evening.
In Northern Ireland the BetMcLean Cup semi-final between Linfield and Ballymena United due to take place in Belfast has been rescheduled for Wednesday.
In the National League South, Weston-super-Mare AFC v Hemel Hempstead Town is also postponed.
Updated
The River Slaney has bursts its banks in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, leaving cars under water.
Updated
River Otter in Devon reaches highest ever level
The Environment Agency said the River Otter at Fenny Bridges, close to Ottery St Mary, has reached its highest recorded level, surpassing the previous record set in December 2000.
Levels reached 2.81m on 7 December that year but were at 2.83m at 5.45am on Tuesday, with a severe flood warning issued five minutes later due to predicted overtopping of flood defences.
A spokesman said: “Storm Chandra brought significant rainfall across Devon and Cornwall overnight, falling on already saturated ground.
“East Devon received 67mm of rain in the last 12 hours, with 88mm recorded at Whitebarrow on Dartmoor. Across south and mid Devon, rainfall averaged 40-50mm.
“There are currently 33 flood alerts and 39 flood warnings in force across Devon and Cornwall. Approximately 20 properties have flooded at various locations, with this number expected to rise.”
Updated
Better news from the River Otter in Devon.
The level first thing this morning at Fenny Bridges, near Honiton, was 2.76m. Property flooding is possible when it goes above 2.7m.
But the latest post from the Environment Agency has it at 1.77m.
Red warning for parts of Ottery St Mary is still in place.
More than 300 schools closed in Northern Ireland
The wind, rain and warnings of worse to come prompted more than 300 schools and higher education providers in Northern Ireland to close on Tuesday.
Belfast City and Belfast International airports cancelled dozens of flights and the ferry operator Stena Line cancelled some sailings between Belfast and Liverpool and other routes across the Irish Sea.
There was an amber alert for wind in the eastern part of Northern Ireland until 9pm and a yellow warning for wind and rain across all Northern Ireland until midnight.
Northern Ireland Electricity said about 10,000 properties were without power
Storm Chandra caused flooding in Dublin, Waterford and other parts of the republic of Ireland, with rivers bursting their banks and swamping roads.
“Please think about your commute this morning, delay it if you can - you won’t be going anywhere fast’,” a member of the M50 motorway traffic management team told RTÉ radio. “With a major weather event, you just need to deal with it as it happens.”
Dublin airport said the storm would disrupt flight schedules for the rest of Tuesday.
Updated
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of ice on Wednesday for large parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland, central Scotland, the Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East, the north of England and parts of Wales.
“Patchy ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces by Wednesday morning and may lead to some disruption,” a Met Office spokesman said.
“Clearing skies Tuesday night will allow temperatures to fall below freezing soon after midnight and on Wednesday morning.
“After the recent wet weather, icy patches are likely to develop on some untreated surfaces.”
Here are some pictures of the havoc currently being wreaked by Storm Chandra across the British Isles:
There have been six flood warnings issued by Natural Resources Wales.
These warn flooding is expected along the Afon (River) Lwyd in Ponthir, Llanyrafon, Croesyceiliog and Pontnewynydd.
Warnings are also in place for the River Monnow at Skenfrith and Osbaston, in south-east Wales.
There are a further 26 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, across southern and mid-Wales.
Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, paid tribute to council and Environment Agency staff as well as emergency services working through Storm Chandra.
He posted on social media: “It has been a truly horrendous night. If you live in or around Ottery St Mary, please take note of the update this morning, just received.
“The River Otter has reached its highest recorded ever level. The Environment Agency has issued a Severe Flood Warning on the River Otter, meaning possible danger to life.
“Flooding is expected this morning, with heavy rain continuing to fall throughout the day. We are predicting that some flood defences will be overtopped.”
He said there were reports of around 20 flooded properties across Devon and Cornwall, which was expected to increase as river levels peak and further reports were received.
Foord added: “I want to pay tribute to staff from the Environment Agency, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, who have been out in risky conditions to help keep residents safe. Also to emergency services personnel who have been rescuing people from floodwater.”
Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles in flood water on Tuesday morning.
A spokesman for Devon + Somerset Fire + Rescue Service confirmed there were no casualties.
Axminster Fire Station posted images of multiple vehicles in flood water on Facebook.
It said: “Flood water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears. Driving through it can quickly lead to vehicles becoming stranded and lives being put at risk.
“Please do not drive through flood water - turn around and find an alternative route.”
Updated
Flood and weather warnings from both Environment Agency and the Met Office are in place across much of the UK as Storm Chandra brought heavy rain and strong winds to many areas of the UK.
As day broke on Tuesday, there were almost 100 flood warnings in England and nearly 200 alerts – meaning flooding is possible – in place, with heavy rain falling on already saturated ground. There 24 flood alerts in Wales at the time of writing. A red flood warning – meaning danger to life – has been issued for a river in south-west England.
Have you been affected by Storm Chandra? You can tell us about your situation below – and upload any photos you have taken of the impact.
There was a severe flood warning for the River Otter at Ottery St Mary in Devon following heavy rainfall.
“Severe flooding is expected this morning and flood water is expected to be deep and fast flowing,” an Environment Agency spokesman said.
The main areas of concern are Finnimore industrial estate, Thorne Farm Way estate, Luxtons Park, Otter Mill and Tumbling Weir Way.
River levels are forecast to be at their highest between 5am and 10am.
The River Otter level at Fenny Bridges was 2.76 metres and property flooding is possible when it goes above 2.7 metres.
“This is forecast to be the highest level recorded at the Fenny Bridges Gauge,” the spokesman said.
“We are liaising with emergency services and local authorities.”
Devon and Cornwall Police released the details of the roads hit by surface water or flooding in East and Mid Devon and urged motorists to avoid them.
“Motorists are also being asked not to attempt alternative routes around the affected areas as these are also becoming treacherous, with the fire services currently dealing with several incidents of cars becoming stuck in water,” a spokesman said.
Current roads with issues:
A30 Daisy Mount - both directions
A30 - closed either end of Honiton
London Road, Cranbrook junction at Gribble Lane
A3052 Clyst St Mary, both approach at Cat and Fiddle and approach from Clyst St George
A377 - impassable at Downes and Newton St Cyres
A303 Upottery
B3177 Iron Bridge
A382 Wray Barton
A396 Stoke Canon
B3181 Five Bridges, Cullompton
A379 Station Road, Dawlish
A3052 Boshill Hill
A358 Weycroft Bridge
Ferry operator Stena Line cancelled numerous sailings on Tuesday morning because of “adverse weather”.
These include between Belfast and Liverpool, between Belfast and Cairnryan in Scotland, between Dublin and Holyhead in North Wales, and between Fishguard in Pembrokeshire and Rosslare in Ireland.
In Scotland, operator Caledonian MacBrayne has disruption on the vast majority of its routes.
Among the routes where services are suspended are between Ardrossan and Brodick, between Troon and Brodick, between Oban and Castlebay, between Mallaig and Canna, and between Uig and Tarbert.
Scottish regional airline Loganair cancelled at least 12 flights on Tuesday.
The affected routes are between Manchester and both Newquay and the Isle of Man, between Liverpool John Lennon and the Isle of Man, and between Glasgow and Islay, Campbeltown and Tiree.
Ben Johnstone, the Environment Agency’s area flood and coastal risk manager for Devon and Cornwall, has told BBC Radio Devon that the levels on the Otter are the highest on record, even superseding the autumn floods of 2000.
But he said the levels of the Otter and other rivers such as the Axe and Teign are now starting to fall. The Exe, on the other hand, is still rising.
Johnstone has been dealing with floods for 30 years. He said that while the level of the Otter was exceptional, for the most part it was a “middling” flood event.
Some of the rainfall totals in the south-west of England for the last 24 hours has almost totalled the average for the entire month, BBC News reports.
Here is a list of some notable rainfalls:
100mm (3.9in) White Barrow (South Dartmoor)
75mm (3in) Marden Down (Dartmoor)
73mm (2.8in) Ottery St Mary’s
60mm (2.4in) Ashcombe (Teignbridge)
51mm (2in) Wendron (South-west Cornwall)
The average for south-west England in January is 140mm (5.5in), which has been well exceeded already.
Devon and Cornwall Police said there was “significant surface water and areas of flooding across parts of the force” due to Storm Chandra.
“There is widespread disruption of the roads particularly across Exeter, East and Mid Devon this morning, with many roads becoming impassable,” a police spokesman said.
“Please do not travel in those areas - Exeter, East and Mid Devon - at this time unless you urgently need to.
“We are experiencing an increase in reports of people coming up against flood water.
“Please do not attempt to drive through it. The weather is improving but rivers are still responding to earlier heavy rainfall.”
There are multiple road closures in south-west England because of flooding.
National Highways said “significant flooding” has closed the A30 in Devon between the B3174/B3180 junctions near Ottery St Mary and the B3184 for Exeter airport.
It said: “Standing water has made the route impassable, and conditions remain hazardous.
“Crews are monitoring water levels and working to restore safe conditions when possible.”
The A303 is closed between the A30 at Upottery in Devon and the A358 at Horton Cross, Somerset.
In Dorset, the A35 is closed in both directions between the A352 Max Gate junction and the B3150 Stinsford roundabout near Dorchester.
Drivers have been warned not to drive through standing water unless they are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it’s safe to do so.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “Flooding is highly likely, making many roads dangerous. Our message to drivers is simple: do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it’s safe to do so.
“In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert. Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential.
“And if your vehicle already has known faults, now is not the time to take risks. Avoid unnecessary journeys and get issues fixed promptly by a trusted mobile mechanic or local garage.”
There were 69 flood warnings in place across England early on Tuesday morning, with the majority in south-west England and four in Yorkshire.
Flood warnings were also issued for Aberbothrie and the River Isla at Coupar Angus in Scotland, with 17 flood alerts active across Wales.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: “Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.
“Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
“As Chandra interacts with colder air further north snow becomes a hazard, with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.
“With a complex spell of weather, its important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area.”
Storm Chandra brought travel disruption and flooding as strong winds and heavy rain hit much of the UK.
The M48 Severn Bridge was closed on Tuesday morning with The Humber Bridge shut to high-sided vehicles due to wind.
Snow was also forecast in parts of the country as a number of weather warnings came into force, PA reported.
National Rail issued a warning that “poor weather may affect South Western Railway services until the end of the day”, while traffic between England and Wales was being diverted over the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Gwent Police said that the A40 was flooded between Abergavenny and Raglan, while sections of several roads in Dorset, Somerset and east Devon were closed due to flooding.
National Highways has said the A66 is closed between the A67 near Bowes in County Durham and the A685 near Brough in Cumbria because of snow.
Drivers travelling across the Pennines are advised to “plan ahead and consider alternate routes”.
Police warn against travel in Exeter, East and Mid Devon
Devon and Cornwall Police said there was “significant surface water and areas of flooding across parts of the force” due to Storm Chandra.
There is widespread disruption of the roads particularly across Exeter, East and Mid Devon this morning, with many roads becoming impassable
Please do not travel in those areas - Exeter, East and Mid Devon - at this time unless you urgently need to.
We are experiencing an increase in reports of people coming up against flood water.
Please do not attempt to drive through it. The weather is improving but rivers are still responding to earlier heavy rainfall.
An amber weather warning for rain is in place for parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. The Met Office said 30-50mm rainfall was likely in these areas, with 60-80mm across some higher ground, especially south Dartmoor.
A second amber warning was in force for wind for parts of Northern Ireland, where the Met Office said severe gales were likely, which could bring down trees and cause dangerous coastal conditions. Gusts of up to 75mph were expected.
The Met Office said winds were often coming from a more unusual southeasterly or easterly direction, so places usually sheltered would bear the brunt. The forecaster predicted that snow could fall on higher ground in parts of the northern UK, causing blizzard-like conditions in some places.
Parts of south-west England are still coping with the fallout from Storms Goretti and Ingrid earlier this month. Winds of 99mph (160km/h) hit the Isles of Scilly and thousands of people in Cornwall were left without power, water and internet. The storm also brought down thousands of trees.
Updated
Danger to life warning as Storm Chandra hits the UK
A red flood warning – meaning danger to life – has been issued for a river in south-west England as Storm Chandra brought heavy rain and strong winds to many areas of the UK.
The Environment Agency (EA) said severe flooding was expected on Tuesday morning in Ottery St Mary, which sits on the River Otter, with the flood water expected to be deep and fast-flowing.
Emergency services and local authorities were working with the EA, which advised people in parts of the town under threat to move family, pets and cars if safe to do so and turn off gas, electricity and water.
As day broke on Tuesday, there were almost 100 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – in England and nearly 200 alerts – meaning flooding is possible – in place, with heavy rain falling on already saturated ground. There were 17 flood alerts in Wales.
The storm was causing trouble for travellers. The M48 Severn Crossing between England and Wales was closed because of the strong winds, while high-sided vehicles were banned from the Humber Bridge in north-east England.
Sections of roads in Dorset, Somerset and east Devon were closed due to flooding. Gwent police said that the A40 was flooded between Abergavenny and Raglan in south-east Wales.
Rail operators advised people to check their planned routes before setting out. National Rail said poor weather might affect services in south-west England until the end of the day.
