Storm Chandra Set To Batter UK With Rain And Snow

Storm Chandra, the latest named storm to sweep across the UK, is poised to unleash a formidable combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and significant snowfall on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The Met Office has issued a series of urgent weather warnings, with amber alerts highlighting a 'danger to life' in parts of southwest England and Northern Ireland, and yellow warnings blanketing much of the country. In a winter already marked by turbulent weather, Chandra’s arrival threatens to exacerbate flooding, disrupt travel, and even cut off some communities entirely.

According to Sky News, the Met Office has taken the unusual step of issuing an amber alert for heavy rain in southwest England on both Monday and Tuesday, with rainfall totals expected to reach 30 to 50mm—and up to 80mm on higher ground, especially in south Dartmoor. These figures are particularly alarming given the ground is already saturated from previous storms, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. The Environment Agency, as reported by The Independent, had nearly 150 flood alerts in place over the weekend, and more than 100 remain active, primarily in southern England and parts of Wales.

The threat doesn’t stop at rain. As Chandra interacts with colder air further north, the Met Office forecasts that snow will become a notable hazard. Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen explained, “As Chandra interacts with colder air further north snow becomes a hazard, with 10 to 20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.” Lower elevations above 300 meters could see 2 to 5cm of snow, while areas above 500 meters may receive the full brunt of 10 to 20cm. This heavy snowfall is expected to impact not only the Scottish Highlands but also the Lake District, Pennines, and Peak District, according to The Guardian.

Strong winds are another key concern. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, with gusts predicted to reach 60 to 70 mph and possibly up to 75 mph along some coastal stretches. Gundersen noted, “Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.” The combination of saturated ground and gale-force winds raises the risk of damage to buildings, downed trees, and flying debris, which could lead to life-threatening injuries. The Met Office cautioned coastal residents to be especially careful, warning that “large waves could throw beach material onto roads, sea fronts, and properties, posing a danger to life.”

The warnings extend beyond the southwest. Yellow alerts for rain and snow cover parts of Scotland, the Midlands, the North East and North West of England, and Yorkshire for Tuesday. The Guardian reported that these alerts, though less severe than amber warnings, can still mean travel delays, power cuts, and even the risk of some communities being “cut off.” The Met Office has advised the public to anticipate “difficult driving conditions” and potential road closures, especially in areas prone to flooding or heavy snow.

Travel disruption is expected to be widespread. The Independent outlined that longer journey times and cancellations are likely to affect road, rail, air, and ferry services, with some roads and bridges possibly closing due to hazardous conditions. The Met Office’s advice is clear: avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. If driving cannot be avoided, motorists are urged to reduce speed, be mindful of high-sided vehicles, and give extra space to cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses. The forecaster also emphasized the importance of staying indoors as much as possible to avoid being caught outside in dangerous winds.

Regional forecasts provided by The Independent paint a grim picture for much of the UK. In London and the South East, Monday is expected to be mostly dry but cool, with rain and stronger winds arriving by evening. Tuesday brings heavy rain moving eastwards, followed by drier conditions and a maximum temperature of 10°C. The South West faces early fog and frost on Monday, but heavy rain and gale to severe gale-force winds are set to dominate Tuesday, with temperatures peaking at 9°C. Northern areas, including Yorkshire, the North West, and the North East, can expect rain turning to snow on higher ground, with maximum temperatures between 5°C and 8°C. Scotland will see rain, sometimes heavy, with snow possible on hills and winds intensifying through Tuesday.

The storm’s timing could not be worse for many already struggling with the aftermath of previous weather events. Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese national weather service IPMA, battered parts of the UK just days earlier, sweeping away a historic Victorian pier in Devon. Earlier in January, Storm Goretti brought its own mix of snow, rain, and strong winds, leaving many areas vulnerable to further damage. The Met Office named Chandra as the next storm on the list shared between the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, with David set to follow if another severe system develops.

Officials are urging the public to stay vigilant and keep up to date with the latest weather warnings. The Met Office’s Marco Petagna warned, “We could potentially see up to 80mm of rain across parts of the South West, coupled with gales as well, particularly across Cornwall. It looks particularly windy across the far South West of England later Monday into Tuesday.” For those living near the coast, the message is to avoid risky behavior: keep away from large waves, know your route if walking near cliffs, and keep dogs on a lead. In emergencies, people are advised to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

With the potential for power cuts, transport cancellations, and even some communities being cut off by flooded roads, authorities are preparing for a challenging few days. The Met Office’s warnings are not issued lightly, and the public is being asked to take them seriously. As the country braces for Storm Chandra, many are hoping this will be the last major weather event of what has been an already punishing winter season.

Storm Chandra’s arrival is a stark reminder of the UK’s vulnerability to extreme weather, especially as climate patterns shift and storms become more frequent and intense. For now, all eyes are on the skies—and on the latest updates from the Met Office.