2026 Storm Chandra Update: Wind, Rain & Snow Warnings Issued

Storm Chandra is tightening its grip on the UK, with forecasters warning of dangerous winds, flooding and heavy snow as a complex set of weather alerts comes into force across much of the country.

The Met Office has issued multiple amber and yellow warnings, urging the public to take care as conditions deteriorate through Monday night and into Tuesday.

Warnings in force

Two amber warnings are among the most serious alerts currently active.

An amber rain warning covers south west England until 9am today. Forecasters say torrential rain could bring flooding and significant disruption, with fast flowing or deep floodwater posing a potential danger to life.

Northern Ireland is under an amber wind warning from 5am until 9pm. Very strong winds are expected along the eastern and northern coasts, with gusts of 60 to 70mph widely and up to 75mph in exposed coastal locations. Flying debris, large waves and spray could lead to injuries and dangerous conditions on coastal roads.

Alongside these, several yellow warnings span large areas of the UK:

South west England and Wales are under a yellow wind warning until 4pm, with strong south to south westerly winds expected.

Yellow rain warnings cover London and south east England, south west England, Wales and the West Midlands until 10am, with further rain alerts for the east of England and the south east until midday.

A yellow rain and snow warning affects the East Midlands, North East and North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, the West Midlands and parts of southern Scotland until 5pm, with rain turning to snow over higher ground.

Scotland faces further yellow rain and snow warnings through the day across central regions, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and the Western Isles, where snow is expected at elevation.

Northern Ireland is also under a yellow rain and wind warning all day, with the risk of localised flooding.

Travel disruption and closures

Strong winds and flooding have already caused disruption to travel. The M48 Severn Bridge was closed earlier, while the Humber Bridge has been shut to high sided vehicles. Traffic between England and Wales has been diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

National Rail warned that poor weather could affect South Western Railway services throughout the day. Several roads in Dorset, Somerset and east Devon have also been closed because of flooding.

Northern Ireland schools shut

Dozens of schools across Northern Ireland have closed as a precaution, particularly in Belfast and surrounding areas, as the amber wind warning takes effect. Education authorities say further closures may follow as conditions evolve.

Forecasters warn that large waves and debris could be thrown onto seafronts and coastal roads, increasing the risk to pedestrians and drivers.

Flooding risk rising

By Monday morning, the Environment Agency had issued 21 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 99 flood alerts across England. Natural Resources Wales also put flood alerts in place.

Chris Wilding, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said significant surface water flooding is likely in parts of south west England today and tomorrow, with a growing risk of river flooding as rain continues to fall on already saturated ground.

He urged people not to drive through floodwater, warning that just 30cm of flowing water can float a car.

Cornwall Council echoed the advice, saying flooding is likely due to waterlogged ground and urging residents in flood risk areas to protect their homes.

Snow on higher ground

While rain dominates lower levels, snow is forecast across northern England and Scotland. The Met Office says 2 to 5cm could fall widely in warning areas, with 10 to 20cm possible above 500 metres, bringing difficult driving conditions and the risk of travel disruption.

Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said Storm Chandra would bring a broad range of hazards, from flooding and strong winds to snow and ice, through Monday night and Tuesday.

Safety advice

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas under amber warnings or where flooding is expected.

With winds strengthening, rain continuing to fall and snow building on higher ground, emergency services and councils are urging the public to stay informed, follow official advice and take extra care over the coming hours.