Storm Chandra Triggers Widespread Disruption Across UK and Ireland with Record Rainfall

Storm Chandra, the fifth named storm of the 2025/26 season, moved across the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 27, 2026, bringing a severe combination of high winds, torrential rain, and localized snow showers. The system prompted extensive official responses and caused considerable societal disruption across both nations, leading to numerous weather warnings from meteorological agencies.

The Met Office issued multiple warnings, with the eastern coast of Northern Ireland experiencing an Amber wind warning. Recorded gusts reached up to 75 mph in exposed coastal sectors, a direct factor in the closure of over 300 schools and higher education providers across Northern Ireland on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. In Northern Ireland, both Belfast City and Belfast International airports canceled numerous flights, and the ferry operator Stena Line suspended some sailings between Belfast and Liverpool. The unusual easterly wind direction, deviating from typical westerlies, intensified impacts along exposed coastlines and elevated routes.

In the south-west of England, intense precipitation triggered 'danger to life' flood warnings in regions including South Devon and Cornwall. The Environment Agency confirmed that more than 30 properties sustained flooding, primarily in Devon, Cornwall, and Hampshire. The River Otter in Ottery St Mary, Devon, reached its highest recorded level, exceeding the benchmark set in December 2000, which necessitated a severe flood warning. Furthermore, Met Office data indicated that parts of Dartmoor, Devon, received 105mm of rain within a 12-hour period, falling on ground already saturated by previous systems like Storm Goretti.

Across the Irish Republic, local authorities, including those in County Carlow, mobilized resources such as sandbags and pumps to manage localized inundation. Met Éireann meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell noted that the heavy, persistent rain fell on ground where many rivers were already near or exceeding bank-full conditions, leading to anticipated river flooding. The entire country of Ireland was subject to a yellow wind warning, with coastal areas facing the threat of wave overtopping. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service reported rescuing individuals from 25 vehicles stranded in floodwaters on Tuesday morning alone. Travel infrastructure in Scotland also faced strain, with wind speeds between 50 and 60 mph causing road blockages from fallen trees and overturned heavy goods vehicles.