Storm Chandra latest: Fears further heavy rainfall could bring worst flooding in more than a decade

Rivers including the Slaney in Co Wexford and the Dodder in Dublin have burst their banks and fallen trees have been reported across the island.

According to the Met Office, Storm Chandra formed from the deepening of the Atlantic low moving eastwards, bringing strong moist air from the south-west.

As it approached the UK the system escalated and brought unusually strong easterly winds to parts of Northern Ireland, as well as strong gale force winds to the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and south-west Wales, which had already been damaged by Storm Goretti.

Storm Chandra also brought persistent, heavy rainfall to parts of Dorset, Somerset and Devon. The amber rain warning reflected concerns about expected rainfall accumulations.

The Met Office has warned motorists and residents in affected areas to prepare a dam to help if their homes, businesses or cars are damaged.

It is not safe to drive, walk or swim in flood waters; Avoid this where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep water call 999 and wait for help.

Preparation of a flood kit should include:

• List of insurance documents and contact numbers
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• First aid kit and prescription medications
• Warm waterproof clothing and blankets
• Bottled water and snacks
• Battery operated or wind up radio
• Necessary supplies to care for your baby or pet

A number of areas exceeded 60mm, with the wettest places seeing over 110mm of rain:

• White Barrow, Devon – 115.1 mm The highest total recorded during Storm Chandra, with heavy rainfall continuing into the morning of 27 January.
• Katesbridge, County Down – A very high total of 114.8 mmA for Northern Ireland highlights the large footprint of the storm. Katesbridge also frequently appears on hourly high rainfall records, showing consistently heavy rainfall.
• Banagher, Caugh Hill, Londonderry – 83.2 mmAnother significant total in Northern Ireland shows how Chandra’s rainfall band has turned northwards.
• Dartmoor Training Centre, Devon – 75.7 mm,
• Brookfield Farm, Devon – 73 mm,
• Princetown Prison, Devon – 68.2 mm,
• Bellever, Dartmoor – 67.6mm,
• Glen Ample, Stirlingshire – 66.6mm.

The Met Office recommends taking these simple steps to protect your home or business:

1. Check flood advisories in your area to find out when and where flooding will occur
2. Charge mobile phone devices
3. Park your car outside the flood zone
4. Prepare a flood kit to help you cope if your home or business floods
5. Store valuables high up, including electrical appliances, important documents and furniture
6. Turn off carbonated water and electricity supplies

Fog and low clouds are expected overnight, which may cause some travel difficulties.

The RAC and National Highways have partnered with the Met Office to share five tips for driving in fog:

1. Make sure you know how to operate your front and rear fog lights.

2. Do not use high beam headlights as fog reflects light back and further reduces visibility.

3. Apply the ‘two-second rule’ or even increase the gap to four seconds

4. Make sure the heater is set to the windshield defogging function and opens all vents.

5. If visibility is very limited, close your windows at intersections and junctions.

A married couple living in Antrim had to be rescued from their home by boat after flood waters reached almost waist level.

David Leatherman and Jim Cunningham have since spoken out about their disappointment with how the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) handled the damage caused by Storm Chandra to their homes.

Jim Cunningham told ITVX the couple were “psychologically devastated” by the damage to their home.

Speaking of the disaster, Mr Leatherman said: “When I got home the water was just rising and by 4pm it was up to our waists,” ITVX reported.

Mr. Leatherman called DFI and was told he would be placed on a list. Later, when the flood reached the telegraph pole there, he saw two DFI staff walking down the street and asked them what they planned to do about it.

According to Mr. Leatherman, staff said they tried to contact their boss but were unable to reach him and said they would return in half an hour but arrived later.

Minister for Infrastructure (DfI) Liz Kimmins MLA met with the two men as they retreated to safety. “What happened in Riverside yesterday was ‘devastating’ for everyone affected,” he told ITVX. He explained that the ministry received thousands of calls on Tuesday alone.

He added: “Our staff are working around the clock and we are trying to stretch our resources as much as possible, including deploying staff from different business areas within the department to try and support this.

“The pressure we felt right up north yesterday was really felt. Everyone was on edge trying to deal with what was coming at us from different angles. That’s not an excuse, I think it’s just to say that this is the reality of what we deal with on a very regular basis and we need to make sure we’re targeting resources correctly.”