UK Braces for Storm Chandra's Fury: Winds & Rain Unleashed

Storm Chandra is currently impacting the UK, bringing severe weather conditions including strong gales and heavy rainfall that are expected to persist into Tuesday. The storm's initial landfall targets the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and southwest Wales, with its trajectory heading north up the Irish Sea, placing eastern Northern Ireland in the path of the most severe winds.

An Amber wind warning has been issued for eastern Northern Ireland, where gusts are forecast to reach 60-70mph, with exposed coastal regions possibly experiencing winds up to 75mph. Significant rainfall is also a concern for saturated areas in Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall. Further north, colder air interacting with the storm means snow is a hazard, with accumulations of 10-20cm possible over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands.

This complex weather pattern has led to numerous yellow warnings for heavy rain, raising fears of potential town isolations due to flooding. A staggering 142 flood alerts have been issued nationwide. Travel disruption, power cuts, and flooding are anticipated across the country. There is also a continued possibility of snow at the beginning of the following week, particularly in the northeast, alongside strong winds and rain in Scotland.