The Met Office has officially named the next significant weather system as Storm Chandra, with forecasters issuing urgent warnings for potentially life-threatening conditions across several regions of the United Kingdom. The storm is expected to bring a dangerous combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and significant snowfall to parts of England and Northern Ireland throughout Tuesday.
Amber Warnings Signal Serious Danger
Meteorologists have activated multiple amber weather warnings, indicating a substantial threat to public safety. These alerts specifically target south-west England, including Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, along with the eastern coastline of Northern Ireland. The wind warning, scheduled between 5am and 9pm on Tuesday, carries explicit "danger to life" messaging, cautioning that large waves and beach material could be violently thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and properties.
Simultaneously, an amber rain warning for south-west England remains active from 5pm Monday until 9am Tuesday, highlighting risks from fast-flowing or deep floodwater that could similarly endanger lives. These warnings come as the Environment Agency reports 21 active flood warnings and 114 flood alerts across England, with particular concentration in the South West region and two additional warnings around York.
Widespread Weather Disruption Expected
Storm Chandra's path will initially impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and south-west Wales before tracking northward through the Irish Sea. Forecasters anticipate particularly severe conditions across south-west England, where recent Storm Ingrid already caused significant damage, including washing away part of a historic pier over the weekend.
The amber rain warning zone encompasses south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset, and south-east Cornwall, where rainfall totals of 30-50mm are expected widely, with higher elevations of south Dartmoor potentially receiving 60-80mm. Less severe yellow warnings cover all of Northern Ireland and broader areas of south-west England, plus parts of northern England and Scotland.
Multiple Weather Hazards Converge
Beyond wind and rain, snow presents an additional hazard as Storm Chandra interacts with colder northern air. Yellow snow warnings have been issued for Scotland and northern England, where accumulations of 2-5cm are expected widely, with higher elevations potentially receiving 10-20cm. Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen emphasised the complexity of this weather system, noting that "initially, strong winds will impact areas still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, with gusts of 70 to 80mph possible" in south-west regions.
Gundersen further explained that "heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall", while "as Chandra interacts with colder air further north, snow becomes a hazard" across higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands.
Travel Disruption and Safety Advice
Transport networks face significant disruption, with flooding likely to make many roads dangerous. Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, advised drivers: "Do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it's safe to do so. Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential."
Mullender strongly recommended avoiding unnecessary journeys and addressing any known vehicle faults promptly through trusted mechanics. The Met Office echoed this caution, urging people to "stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area" during this complex weather event.
Storm Chandra represents the latest named storm from the western Europe storm naming group, a collaborative list shared between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. As the system approaches, authorities continue to monitor developments closely while urging residents in affected areas to take all necessary precautions.
