A MAJOR incident has been declared as Brits are braced for further flooding in the aftermath of Storm Chandra’s devastation.
The Met Office has issued a new “danger to life” warning – with across the country today.
A resident stands in knee-high floodwater in County Wexford, IrelandCredit: Reuters
Hundreds of flood alerts are in place across the UK todayCredit: ©Graham Hunt
A major incident was declared in Somerset due to ‘extensive flooding overnight’Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
A yellow weather warning for rain is also in place in the south-west
Brits were hit with road closures and cancelled flights yesterday after record-breaking downpours left swathes of the country underwater.
In Somerset, the council declared a major incident, saying there had been “extensive flooding overnight”.
The local authority added that the risk of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors “remains high as rainwater moves through the system.”
But the south-west is braced for further downpours today after the Met Office confirmed a yellow warning for rain is in place.
The forecaster warned of the “danger to life” risks due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater in the region.
Locals in , and east are continuing the clear-up operation after their towns were submerged by severe flooding yesterday.
Somerset Council estimated 50 properties had been affected across Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel.
Council leader Bill Revans said: “The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond to this ongoing situation.
“Storm Chandra brought more than 50mm of rain… on top of already saturated land, and this has caused widespread disruption.”
Firefighters in the region rescued people from 25 vehicles stranded in 3ft-high floodwater yesterday morning.
Drivers were forced to abandon their in the deep floodwater at Weycroft Bridge in Axminster, Devon.
While in Somerset, a woman was snapped carrying her dog to safety with the help of firemen.
Some areas across the UK, including worst-hit south-west and Northern Ireland provisionally set new January daily rainfall records.
Katesbridge, in , has provisionally recorded more than 10 centimetres of rain.
Belfast City Airport cancelled dozens of flights, while ferry crossings were also impacted during the horrific conditions.
More than in NI – as Belfast Met campuses moved classes online for thousands of pupils.
chief forecaster Paul Gundersen had warned of the risks brought by Storm Chandra – including 80mph gusts and heavy rain.
He said: “Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western and south-west Wales… gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.
“Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
“As Chandra interacts with colder air further north becomes a hazard…
“…with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.
“With a complex spell of weather, its important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area.”
A river ford under several feet of water at Houndsfield Lane in BirminghamCredit: PA
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
