Storm Chandra: flooding closes roads, schools, and railways across Devon
Travel and schools disrupted as cleanup continues following Storm Ingrid over the weekend
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
Flooding caused by Storm Chandra has led to road closures, rail disruptions, and school shutdowns across Devon.
Emergency services are advising against travel in affected areas, as heavy rainfall has resulted in significant surface water and flooding.
Devon and Cornwall Police emphasised road conditions in Exeter, East, and Mid Devon, describing many as impassable.
A police spokesman said, "We are experiencing an increase in reports of people coming up against flood water. Please do not attempt to drive through it."
Roads affected by flooding
National Highways reported "significant flooding" on the A30 in Devon, closing the road between the B3174/B3180 junction near Ottery St Mary and the B3184 for Exeter Airport.
Hazardous conditions are also impacting the A303 between Upottery in Devon and Horton Cross in Somerset as well as the A35 in Dorset.
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.
Current roads impacted:
- 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
Railways disrupted
National Rail Enquiries listed several railway line closures due to flooding:
- Between Par and Newquay in Cornwall
- Between Castle Cary and Taunton in Somerset
- Between Salisbury in Wiltshire and both Southampton Central and Romsey in Hampshire
- Between Eastleigh and Fareham in Hampshire
- Between Exeter St Davids and both Okehampton and Barnstaple in Devon
- Transport for Wales also noted a tree blocking services at Llanbister Road station in Powys, halting trains between Swansea and Shrewsbury
School closures
Around 40 schools in Devon have been closed or partially closed because of flooding. These include:
- All Saints Church of England Primary School
- Awliscombe Church of England Primary School
- Axe Valley Academy
- Axminster Community Primary Academy
- Barley Lane School
- Brampford Speke Church of England Primary School
- Branscombe Church of England Primary School
- Broadhembury Church of England Primary School
- Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School
- Clyst Hydon Primary School
- Clyst St Mary Primary School
- Clyst Vale Community College
- Colyton Grammar School
- Cullompton Community College
- Exmouth Community College
- Farway Church of England Primary School
- Feniton Church of England Primary School
- Hawkchurch Church of England School
- Hemyock Primary School
- Honiton Community College
- Honiton Primary School
- Membury Primary Academy
- Mill Water School
- Newton Poppleford Primary School
- Newton St Cyres Primary School
- Payhembury Church of England Primary School
- Pinhoe Church of England Primary School and Nursery
- Queen Elizabeth’s
- River Dart Academy
- Rockbeare Church of England Primary School and Pre-School
- Sandford School
- Seaton Primary School
- Sidbury Church of England Primary School
- Sidmouth Church of England (VA) Primary School
- Sidmouth College
- Silverton Church of England Primary School
- Southbrook School
- St Andrew’s CofE Primary Academy
- Stansfield Academy
- Stoke Canon Church of England Primary School and Pre-School
- The King’s School
- Thorverton Church of England Primary School
- Tipton St John Church of England Primary School
- West Hill Primary School
- Whimple Primary School
- Woodbury Church of England Primary School
- Yeoford Community Primary School
For a full list of affected schools, please refer to local council updates.
Continued impacts
Routes around Exeter airport have been heavily flooded, causing additional travel delays. Julian Brazil, the leader of Devon County Council, pointed out the need for greater government investment in securing the region's resilience against such storms.
This comes as the cleanup continues following damage from Storm Ingrid over the weekend.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “There’s seemingly no let up from storms this winter. Straight off the back of Storm Ingrid, the arrival of yet more rain and wind is the last thing anyone needs. The continuing extreme weather is causing damage and disruption and there’s no doubt it’s impacting our road network.
“Emergency services are also working hard during these weather events and, unfortunately, there have been issues with people ignoring road closures. Where a road is closed, it’s for safety reasons. We would urge everyone to please be cautious. Do not attempt to drive through floodwater or try to access closed roads, particularly in coastal areas. Not only could you be putting your own safety at risk, but you could also be putting others at risk.”