Storm Chandra batters South West and Midlands
There's been travel disruption and flood warnings issued
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
Flooded roads and disrupted rail services have affected the South West of England and parts of the West Midlands as Storm Chandra arrives with heavy rains and strong winds.
The M48 Severn Bridge was forced to close on Tuesday morning due to winds, while traffic was being diverted over the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge to cross between England and Wales.
Flooding prompted the closure of the A40 between Abergavenny and Raglan, with Devon and Cornwall Police reporting significant disruption in Exeter, East Devon, and Mid Devon.
Sections of several main roads are impassable in Somerset, Dorset, and east Devon.
Police urged people in affected areas to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary while emergency services worked to close roads and respond to incidents.
Severe flooding closes railway lines
National Rail reported several railway lines had shut because of flooding caused by heavy rain. These include areas in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.
Cornwall railway services between Par and Newquay have stopped, alongside the Exeter St Davids to Okehampton and Barnstaple routes in Devon. Somerset’s Castle Cary to Taunton line is closed, while Wiltshire’s Salisbury services to Southampton and Romsey, and the Eastleigh to Fareham stretch in Hampshire, are also shut.
Transport for Wales also confirmed a tree was blocking rail tracks near Llanbister Road station in Powys, affecting Swansea-Shrewsbury services.
Forecasters warn of snow in northern areas
The Met Office issued amber and yellow warnings as heavy rain and winds swept the region. Strong gusts were recorded in south-west England while snow is expected to affect northern England and Scotland, especially on higher ground.
In south-west England, the amber alert covers south-east Cornwall, southern Somerset, south Devon, and parts of Dorset until 9am Tuesday, with forecasts of up to 60-80mm of rain in higher elevations like Dartmoor.
A less severe yellow warning remains in place across southern England until Tuesday morning.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen warned, "Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. It’s important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area."
RAC advises drivers to avoid flooded areas
Flood warnings were issued for much of south-west England early Tuesday morning, with 69 alerts in total across England.
Drivers were advised by the RAC to avoid flooded areas where possible and not attempt to drive through standing water without certainty about its depth and safety.
Nick Mullender from the RAC said, “Flooding is highly likely, making many roads dangerous. Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential."
Drivers were reminded to prepare for risks, particularly if their vehicles have unresolved issues, and only travel when necessary during the severe weather conditions.
Storm Chandra comes after earlier disruption caused by storms Ingrid and Goretti, and continues to impact several areas across the UK, according to the latest reports from the Met Office and emergency services.