Storm Chandra shuts major roads as flooding widespread | UK | News
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: A car negotiates a flooded section of road, as torrential rain and thunderstorms hit the country on August 17, 2022 in London, England. After the UK experienced a second summer heatwave, storms are expected starting in the north of the country from Monday moving to the whole country by Wednesday, with flood alerts issued by the Met Office. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
National Highways has shut down multiple key routes in the South West as Storm Chandra wreaks havoc across the country.
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for rainfall throughout the region on Tuesday, January 27, with the storm forecast to bring extensive heavy downpours and powerful gusts. The weather service has cautioned about potential flooding conditions that could create treacherous driving circumstances, The Mirror reports.
The amber weather warning encompasses Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
According to the Met Office, areas of Devon, Somerset, Dorset and southeast Cornwall could experience 30-50mm of rainfall. Elevated terrain such as south Dartmoor may see between 60-80mm of precipitation.
Wind speeds of 60-70mph are anticipated in exposed locations.
Storm Chandra has struck the UK shortly after the nation endured both Storm Goretti and Storm Ingrid. The extended spell of inclement weather has left the ground already waterlogged and increasingly vulnerable to flooding impacts.
Rain warnings have been issued for parts of the UK on Tuesday, January 27 (Image: Met Office)
National Highways has shut several routes due to these circumstances.
The following roads have been closed:
The route is shut in both directions between the B3174/B3180 junctions near Ottery St Mary and the B3184 for Exeter Airport owing to substantial flooding.
National Highways said “standing water has made the route impassable, and conditions remain hazardous.”
A303 – Somerset / Devon border
The A303 remains shut in both directions between the A30 at Upottery and the A358 at Horton Cross owing to flooding.
National Highways confirmed area team crews are present at the location working to clear floodwater from the carriageway. Police officers are providing assistance at the scene.
The A35 in Dorset is closed in both directions between the A352 Max Gate junction and the B3150 Stinsford Roundabout near Dorchester owing to flooding.
Surface water is impacting the carriageway. National Highways stated “the route remains unsafe for traffic at this time.”
Addressing the flooding situation more broadly, National Highways explained that specialist teams will examine carriageway drainage systems, including gullies, culverts and ditches, inspecting for blockages caused by leaves, silt and debris carried by fast‐falling rain.
“If drainage systems are overwhelmed or obstructed, water cannot recede naturally, prolonging closure times,” the travel authority stated.
Pumps must be deployed to remove substantial volumes of water in certain instances. National Highways explained this is only effective when downstream drainage networks are also functioning and not already at capacity.
“Road users are advised to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel where possible, and allow extra time for journeys,” National Highways stated.
“Drivers should be aware that surrounding local roads may also be affected by flooding and should not attempt to drive through floodwater.”
