Storm Chandra Wreaks Havoc: Flooding, Travel Chaos and School Closures as New Warnings Are Issued

Storm Chandra has battered large swathes of the United Kingdom and Ireland with torrential rain, damaging winds and widespread flooding, prompting severe weather warnings, travel disruption and the closure of hundreds of schools. Emergency services, transport operators and local authorities are grappling with the fallout as forecasts predict the storm’s effects could linger for days.

The Guardian +1

Unrelenting Weather: What Storm Chandra Has Brought

Storm Chandra, the latest named storm of the 2025–26 European windstorm season, unleashed intense rainfall and strong winds across the UK and Ireland on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. In parts of south‑west England, over 100 flood warnings and more than 200 alerts were active as rivers rapidly rose and overflowed their banks. In Ottery St Mary, Devon, the River Otter surged to record levels, leading the Environment Agency to issue a red “danger to life” flood warning — the highest level used in the UK. Residents were advised to move pets, vehicles and belongings to higher ground where possible.

The Guardian

Across the region, rainfall totals exceeded 100 mm in just 12 hours on Dartmoor, and winds gusted to roughly 75 mph along the Cumbrian coast. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, heavy precipitation mixed with strong gusts and even snow in higher ground, adding further complexity to the already challenging situation.

The Guardian

Schools Shut as Safety Concerns Mount

One of the most immediate impacts of Storm Chandra has been the closure of schools across affected areas. In Northern Ireland alone, more than 300 schools closed as authorities responded to amber and yellow weather warnings for wind and rain, and anticipated hazards including flooding, fallen debris and dangerous travel conditions. Hundreds of other schools in Devon and elsewhere in south‑west England also cancelled classes, leaving parents and children facing sudden disruption.

In both countries, education officials stressed that decisions on closures were made on safety grounds, with many schools opting to shut early in the morning when weather conditions were at their worst. In Northern Ireland, the Education Authority had initially advised school leaders to monitor conditions and make local decisions — but as the storm intensified, closures became widespread. Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland, local authorities also confirmed that dozens of schools closed due to impassable roads and local flooding.

The Irish News +1

Parents were warned to prepare for continued disruption to school transport and possible last‑minute alterations to schedules as conditions evolved.

Love Ballymena

Transport Disruption Across All Modes

Storm Chandra’s powerful winds and rainfall caused significant disruption to transport networks across the UK and Ireland:

Road closures were widespread in south‑west England due to surface water flooding, debris and fallen trees. Major routes such as the A30 in Devon and the A66 across northern England were forced to close because of dangerous conditions.

Rail services were heavily affected, with lines in Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Devon bloced or suspended as tracks flooded or were hit by fallen trees.

Flights were cancelled or delayed across multiple airports, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast City, Leeds Bradford and others, as airlines grounded services in the face of strong winds and poor visibility.

The Independent +1

Ferry services between the UK and Ireland were disrupted, with many sailings cancelled as rough seas made crossings unsafe.

The Standard

Authorities urged travelers to avoid non‑essential journeys, and to check with transport operators for updates before setting out. The Met Office’s amber and yellow warnings covered broad areas of the UK and Ireland throughout the storm’s peak, indicating significant hazards from rain, wind and coastal effects.

Widespread Flooding and Rescues

Floodwaters submerged vehicles and properties across impacted regions. In Devon, firefighters rescued people from at least 25 vehicles stranded in deep floodwater as roads turned into torrents. Elsewhere, towns such as York in northern England and cities like Dublin in the Republic of Ireland saw rivers burst their banks, inundating streets, trapping cars and prompting local emergency responses.

Irish authorities described parts of Dublin as experiencing some of the worst flooding seen in recent memory, with the River Dodder overflowing and submerging residential areas. Around Dublin, motorists abandoned vehicles and local fire and rescue crews worked to secure flooded zones.

The Sun

Power Cuts and Public Warnings

In addition to travel and schooling disruption, tens of thousands of homes and businesses faced power outages. Northern Ireland Electricity reported more than 10,000 properties without electricity, while in the Republic of Ireland, around 20,000 homes and businesses were affected by storm‑related outages.

The Standard

Officials warned about the dangers of flying debris, coastal waves, and damaged infrastructure. Police and emergency services reiterated the need for caution — advising residents not to drive through floodwater, avoid coastal promenades and follow guidance from safety authorities.

What Comes Next

While the worst of Storm Chandra’s immediate impact has passed in many areas, meteorologists caution that wet and unsettled weather could persist, leading to ongoing challenges for flood management and travel. Emergency agencies have confirmed that multi‑agency preparations and response efforts continue, with drainage systems monitored, road clearance teams on standby, and public alerts maintained until conditions stabilise.

Department for Infrastructure

For communities across the UK and Ireland, the storm is a stark reminder of the power of extreme weather and the importance of preparedness — especially in regions already saturated by earlier storms. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official weather services and heed all safety instructions.