Storm Chandra latest: ‘Major incident’ declared over flooding as Met Office issues warning for ice

Here’s a look at the 4-day weather forecast:

Patchy fog in the east at first. Showers are expected in the southwest and northeast, otherwise dry and sunny weather is expected for most. Windy but generally less windy.

Outlook from Thursday to Saturday:

Uncertainty continues, especially in south-west and eastern Scotland, due to showers or longer rains. There are also some dry interludes, especially in the east. Feeling cold in strong winds.

Hundreds of schools were closed and tens of thousands of people were left without power as Storm Chandra ravaged the island of Ireland on Tuesday.

There were disruptions in transportation due to strong winds and heavy rain.

More than 300 schools have been closed in Northern Ireland and a yellow rain alert has been issued for counties Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.

Independent reporter Shaheena Uddin writes:

The Met Office announced that many regions temporarily broke daily rainfall records for January due to Storm Chandra.

Plymouth (Mountbatten) set a new record despite over 100 years of observations, while Katesbridge temporarily recorded its wettest day on record with 100.8mm of rain.

The River Otter at Fenny Bridges, near Ottery St Mary, has reached its highest level on record, surpassing the previous record set in December 2000, the Environment Agency said.

Levels reached 2.81m on December 7 that year but were at 2.83m at 5:45am on Tuesday; A severe flood warning was issued five minutes later as flood defenses were predicted to be breached.

A spokesman said: “Storm Chandra brought significant rainfall to Devon and Cornwall overnight, adding to already saturated ground.

“East Devon received 67mm of rain in the last 12 hours, with 88mm recorded at Whitebarrow on Dartmoor. Rainfall in south and mid-Devon averaged 40-50mm.

“There are currently 33 flood warnings and 39 flood alerts in Devon and Cornwall. Around 20 properties are flooded in various locations and this number is expected to rise.”

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 woman was taken to hospital after a tree fell on a car in the Snowhill Road area of ​​Lisbelllaw.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call shortly after 8am on Tuesday following the RTC reports.

The PSNI said their injuries were not believed to be serious. A spokesman added: “NIAS deployed an Emergency Ambulance to the scene.

“Following the evaluation and initial treatment at the scene, one person was taken to South West Acute Hospital by ambulance.”

Snowhill Road in Enniskillen was blocked by fallen trees, the PSNI said.

A spokesman said: “A woman was taken to hospital after a tree fell onto a car on Snowhill Road in Lisbellaw at around 8.30am this morning.

“At this time their injuries are not believed to be serious. Snowhill Road is blocked by fallen trees and motorists should avoid this at this time.”

Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:

Storm Chandra continues to ravage the UK and is causing serious disruption to flights.

The hardest hit airport was Belfast City, which is in the middle of the area affected by the Met Office’s high wind warning. At least 27 flights across the Irish Sea to Great Britain have been cancelled: 18 Aer Lingus Regional connections to various British airports, as well as nine British Airways arrivals and departures serving London.

Scottish airline Loganair has canceled 20 flights, including from the following connections:

• Manchester to Newquay
• London Heathrow, Manchester and Liverpool to Isle of Man
• Glasgow to Barra, Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree

Under air passenger rights rules, passengers whose flights have been canceled have the right to be flown to their destination with any airline as quickly as possible and to be provided with meals and hotels until they arrive.

A “major flood event” has been declared in Somerset as agencies step up their response to Storm Chandra.

Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and emergency services are working closely to help communities affected by heavy rain and extensive flooding overnight.

The major incident was declared as a precautionary measure to allow resources to be deployed if the response needed to be stepped up.

Although drier weather is forecast for tomorrow, the risk of flooding on the Levels and Moors remains high as rainwater moves through the system. More flood warnings are expected in areas such as Moorland.