Storm Chandra shuts major roads as flooding widespread | UK | News
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: A car drives along a flooded section of road as heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the country on August 17, 2022 in London, England. Following the second summer heat wave in England, storms are expected to start in the north of the country on Monday and spread across the country on Wednesday, and the Met Office is expected to issue flood warnings. (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
As Storm Chandra caused damage across the country, National Highways closed many key routes in the South West.
While the Met Office issued amber warnings for rainfall across the region on Tuesday, January 27, the storm is predicted to bring heavy downpours and strong winds. The weather service warned of potential flooding conditions that could create hazardous driving conditions. mirror reports.
The amber weather warning covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
According to the Met Office, areas of Devon, Somerset, Dorset and south-east Cornwall could experience 30-50mm of rainfall. Upland areas such as South Dartmoor may experience between 60-80mm of rainfall.
Wind speeds are expected to be 60-70 mph in open areas.
Storm Chandra hit the UK shortly after the country endured both Storm Goretti and Storm Ingrid. Prolonged periods of harsh weather conditions have left the ground already waterlogged and increasingly vulnerable to the effects of flooding.
Rain warning issued for parts of England on Tuesday, January 27 (Image: Met Office)
National Highways have closed many routes due to these conditions.
The following roads are closed:
Due to significant flooding the route is closed in both directions between junctions B3174/B3180 near Ottery St Mary and Exeter Airport B3184.
National Highways said “standing water has made the route impassable and conditions remain hazardous.”
A303 – Somerset/Devon border
The A303 remains closed in both directions between the A30 at Upottery and the A358 at Horton Cross due to flooding.
It was stated that National Highways approved regional team teams were ready in the region to clean the flood water on the highway. Police teams are rushing to help at the scene.
The A35 in Dorset is closed in both directions between the A352 Max Gate junction and the B3150 Stinsford Roundabout near Dorchester due to flooding.
Surface water is affecting the carriageway. National Highways said “the route remains unsafe for traffic at this time.”
Addressing the flood situation more broadly, National Highways said specialist teams will examine carriageway drainage systems, including gutters, culverts and ditches, to examine blockages caused by leaves, mud and debris carried in by fast-falling rain.
“If drainage systems overflow or become clogged, water cannot be withdrawn naturally, resulting in extended closure times,” the travel authority said.
In certain situations, pumps must be used to remove significant amounts of water. National Highways explained that this is only effective where downstream drainage networks are also operating and are not yet at capacity.
“Road users are advised to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary journeys where possible and allow extra time for journeys,” National Highways said. he said.
“Motorists should be aware that local roads in the area may also be affected by flooding and should not attempt to drive through floodwater.”
