Drivers rescued from water after Storm Chandra flooding traps cars
The UK has barely recovered from the previous winter storm when another one has landed, bringing travel disruption with it across the British Isles.
Storm Chandra has landed with full force and torrential rain, wind and even snow in some parts of the UK, with several Met Office weather warnings and red flood alerts active throughout the day.
And the transport network is feeling the brunt already, with flooding, fallen trees and strong winds wreaking havoc on the railways, roads and airports.
One of the worst-affected areas is Devon and Somerset, where at least 25 people have been pulled out of their cars after becoming trapped in floodwater, while several rivers have already burst their banks and more are expected to do so as the downpour continues.
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Here is a roundup of how Storm Chandra affects travel today.
Roads
Drivers have been trapped in floodwater across Devon and Cornwall, and motorists are urged not to attempt to travel in Exeter, and East and Mid Devon as conditions are becoming treacherous, the police said.
The A30 remains closed between Exeter Airport and Ottery St Mary after flooding.
A danger to life flood warning has been issued for River Otter in the area, meaning severe flooding is expected and the water is likely to be deep and fast flowing.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Motorists are also being asked not to attempt alternative routes around the affected areas as these are also becoming treacherous, with the fire services currently dealing with several incidents of cars becoming stuck in water.’
Firefighters in Axminster were alerted to Weycroft, East Devon, where several vans and an SUV became trapped in the rising water.
Axminster Fire Station issued a safety warning after multiple rescues: ‘Flood water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears. Driving through it can quickly lead to vehicles becoming stranded and lives being put at risk.
‘Please do not drive through flood water – turn around and find an alternative route.’
The Severn Bridge was closed in both directions for hours this morning due to gusts before the crossing reopened shortly after 8am.
Roads affected by flooding
A number of local roads in Devon and Cornwall are impassable.
They are:
- A30 Daisy Mount – both directions
- A30 – closed between Exeter Airport and Ottery St Mary
- London Road, Cranbrook junction at Gribble Lane
- A3052 Clyst St Mary, both approach at Cat and Fiddle and approach from Clyst St George
- A377 – impassable at Downes and Newton St Cyres
- A303 Upottery
- B3177 Iron Bridge
- A382 Wray Barton
- A396 Stoke Canon
- B3181 Five Bridges, Cullompton
- A379 Station Road, Dawlish
- A3052 Boshill Hill
- A358 Weycroft Bridge
Railways
Several rail routes are closed because of flooding following heavy downpours.
Meanwhile, passengers between Wilmslow and Crewe should expect major disruption until the end of the day after an electricity supply failure and a tree blocking the line. Avanti West coast, CrossCountry, Northern and Transport for Wales trains are affected, National Rail warned.
The Island Line, dubbed the UK’s most exotic railway line as it appears to be floating, will not stop at Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade until midday due to rough weather.
Which railway lines are closed due to flooding?
The following routes are shut after becoming waterlogged:
- Between Par and Newquay, Cornwall
- Between Castle Cary and Taunton, Somerset
- Between Salisbury, Wiltshire, and both Southampton Central and Romsey in Hampshire
- Between Eastleigh and Fareham, Hampshire
- Between Exeter St Davids and both Okehampton and Barnstaple in Devon
Flights
Plane passengers have not been spared from disruption today either, with Storm Chandra forcing dozens of planes to be grounded.
At Leeds Bradford Airport, pilots landed aircraft in strong crosswinds, with the area covered by a yellow warning for rain and snow.
Belfast City Airport is among the worst hit after around 15 departures and 15 arrivals were cancelled.
British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Aer Lingus Regional were among those affected.
Manchester Airport saw some cancellations and delays this morning, including to Paris, Helsinki and Belfast, according to Flightradar24.
The regional operator Loganair has cancelled at least 12 flights today, including between Manchester and Newquay, Liverpool and the Isle of Man, and between Glasgow and Islay, Campbelltown and Tiree.
It’s mostly business as usual at Heathrow Airport, with some delays and cancellations listed on the departure board.
The 8.40am Aer Lingus flight to Belfast was axed, while the 8.45am easyJet flight to Belfast is delayed until around 11am.
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