The West Midlands is preparing for the arrival of Storm Chandra on Tuesday, with the Met Office issuing urgent weather warnings for the region. The newly-named storm is forecast to bring hazardous conditions, including inland winds reaching up to 60mph, heavy persistent rainfall, and severe gales, particularly in rural areas.
Met Office Issues Amber Warnings for Western UK
The Met Office officially named Storm Chandra on Monday morning, January 26, 2026, and has already activated amber warnings for western parts of the United Kingdom. Further alerts are anticipated for additional areas within the next 24 hours as the storm system develops and moves across the country.
Timeline and Expected Impact Across the Midlands
According to Met Office radar data, Storm Chandra is projected to reach the East Midlands around 2am on Tuesday, January 27. The West Midlands will also experience significant effects, with specific areas including:
- Parts of Staffordshire, such as Leek
- The southern region around Ledbury
- Potential impacts in Stoke-on-Trent
Notably, Birmingham has not been included in the initial weather warning, but residents across the wider region are advised to stay vigilant.
Anticipated Disruption and Travel Advice
The combination of strong winds and heavy rain is likely to cause considerable disruption to daily life and infrastructure. Key areas of concern include:
- Transport Networks: Roads and railways are expected to be affected, leading to longer journey times for road, bus, and train services. Commuters should plan for delays and possible cancellations.
- Power Supplies: Interruptions to electricity and other essential services are probable, especially in areas experiencing the strongest winds.
- Public Services: Bus and train operations may be disrupted, with services running reduced schedules or experiencing extended travel durations.
Residents across the West Midlands are urged to monitor official Met Office updates, secure loose outdoor items, and consider postponing non-essential travel during the peak of the storm on Tuesday. Emergency services are on standby to respond to any incidents caused by the severe weather conditions.
