Storm Chandra: widespread flooding and travel disruption continues
Flooding impacts roads, railways, and communities with warnings in place
Last updated 30th Jan 2026
Intense flooding caused by Storm Chandra has affected communities and travel throughout Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, and Cornwall.
Heavy rainfall combined with saturated ground led to rising groundwater levels and overflowing rivers, causing widespread disruption.
According to BCP Council, the storm brought record-breaking river levels and significant flooding across their area, including highways and nearby land.
High tides and the sea-level proximity of many locations within Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole have compounded the situation.
BCP Council reported receiving 153 calls overnight due to road flooding in the region. Teams have been working to secure roads, clear debris, and support communities.
Highways such as the A338 and Magna Road are being assessed and cleared, while damaged areas continue to be monitored.
Officials emphasise the importance of avoiding walking, cycling, or driving through flood water due to hidden hazards or unknown depths.
The Environment Agency warned residents in Dorset and Wiltshire of very high groundwater levels, higher than those seen during the flooding of 2013/2014.
They currently have 30 groundwater flood warnings in effect. With additional rainfall expected, residents are advised to prepare by using personal flood plans, moving valuables from basements, servicing pumps, clearing drains, and signing up for flood warning alerts.
Rail Services in Devon and Cornwall
Travel in Devon and Cornwall is facing disruption into at least the first week of February. Network Rail confirmed that four rail lines remain closed due to damage caused by recent flooding:
- Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple
- Exeter St Davids to Okehampton (via Crediton)
- Liskeard to Looe
- Par to Newquay
Bus replacement services are operating in some areas, but poor road conditions mean travellers to Barnstaple and Okehampton are advised not to attempt journeys. Network Rail teams are repairing the damaged track ballast, which was washed away by flood waters in multiple areas, while awaiting safe water levels for underwater inspections of bridges and viaducts.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast until 31st January, which could delay restoration efforts.
Network Rail’s Western route operations director, Simon Gillibrand, said: “Travel in Devon and Cornwall will continue to be disrupted into the first week of February because of the widespread flooding in the region following back-to-back storms.
“Four lines remain closed and are not expected to open until the early part of next week, however with more rain on the way we will have to continue monitoring water levels before full inspections of these lines can be completed. We’re really sorry for the disruption this is causing for passengers.
“Our teams are on the ground around the clock, working as quickly as we safely can to repair the storm damage so we can reopen these routes as soon as we can. We’d like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding.
Please continue to check before travelling for the latest updates.”
GWR managing director, Mark Hopwood, added: “If you've been travelling with us and affected by this continuing disruption due to the storms, I'd like to apologise. We do hope to get services up and running as quickly as possible.
“The storms have however caused some damage to the railway infrastructure and some of which, such as these vital branch lines, continue to be under water.
“We need the water levels to subside before our friends at Network Rail can check the tracks and make any repairs as necessary. Until then we will keep you moving on road replacement transport where we can.”