Storm Chandra is set to batter the UK on Tuesday with strong winds, heavy rain, and snow, prompting multiple weather warnings including amber alerts for parts of Northern Ireland and south-west England. The Met Office warns that easterly winds of this strength are unusual and likely to cause widespread disruption to travel and flooding across vulnerable areas.
An amber wind warning covers the eastern coast of Northern Ireland from 5am to 9pm Tuesday, with gusts of 60-70mph expected widely and up to 75mph possible in coastal locations. A separate amber rain warning affects south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset, and south-east Cornwall from 5pm Monday to 9am Tuesday, where 30-50mm of rain could fall widely. Up to 60-80mm is forecast over higher ground of south Dartmoor.
Yellow warnings blanket much of the UK throughout Tuesday, covering wind, rain, and snow across different regions. Cornwall, south-western Wales, and parts of northern Devon face yellow wind warnings from 5am to 4pm, while the whole of Northern Ireland remains under yellow rain and wind warnings all day.
Snow threat for northern regions
Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief forecaster, warned: «As Chandra interacts with colder air further north snow becomes a hazard, with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.» Yellow warnings for rain and snow cover the Pennines and south-west Scotland from midnight to 5pm Tuesday, with much of central Scotland under similar warnings from 6am to midnight.
The storm arrives as areas remain vulnerable from recent weather systems. Gundersen said: «Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.» Storm Ingrid recently wreaked havoc in south-west England and washed away part of a historic pier.
Driving warnings issued
The AA urged motorists to avoid overtaking during the storm, warning: «Overtaking can be dangerous in strong winds, as there may be a sudden gust as you pass a large vehicle (which could cause it to veer into you).» The organization advised drivers to keep their distance from high-sided vehicles and caravans, and to avoid towing trailers in windy conditions.
Nick Mullender, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, said: «Flooding is highly likely, making many roads dangerous. Our message to drivers is simple: do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it's safe to do so.» He added: «In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert. Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential.»
The Met Office cautioned: «Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds - always keep a safe distance.»
Gundersen emphasized: «Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.» He urged people to stay updated: «With a complex spell of weather, its important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area.»
Storm Chandra is the latest storm named by the western Europe storm naming group, which includes the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
