Storm Chandra, which swept across the UK over the past weekend, brought with it a deluge of rain and powerful winds, prompting numerous weather warnings from the Met Office. The storm's trajectory saw its most severe impacts concentrated in specific areas, with official data now revealing the extent of the downpours.
According to the Met Office, the heaviest rainfall associated with Storm Chandra was recorded in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some locations in the west of Scotland, particularly Argyll and Bute, saw more than 100mm of rain fall within a 24-hour period. Northern Ireland also experienced significant precipitation, with County Down and County Antrim receiving substantial amounts, leading to localised flooding and challenging driving conditions. Across England and Wales, rainfall was widespread but generally less intense, though some western areas, including parts of Cumbria and Snowdonia, still saw considerable accumulations.
Alongside the heavy rain, Storm Chandra also delivered strong winds. Coastal areas, particularly in the west of Scotland and Northern Ireland, experienced the highest wind gusts, with speeds exceeding 60 mph. These strong winds contributed to difficult conditions, particularly for transport, with ferry services facing disruption and some exposed roads being impacted by debris. Yellow warnings for both rain and wind were in place across large swathes of the UK, advising the public of potential hazards.
The storm's progression saw it move in from the Atlantic, bringing an organised band of rain and a succession of low-pressure systems. The combination of saturated ground from previous wet weather and the intensity of Chandra's rainfall led to an increased risk of flooding, particularly in areas with existing flood alerts or warnings. Emergency services were on standby in several regions, responding to incidents of surface water flooding and assisting affected communities.
Looking ahead, while Storm Chandra has now largely passed, the Met Office advises that the residual impact of high river levels and saturated ground will persist. Further localised showers are expected in the coming days, which could exacerbate existing flood risks in some areas. Temperatures across the UK during the storm generally ranged between 8°C and 12°C, feeling colder in the strong winds and heavy rain.
Source: Met Office