Heavy rain from named Storm Chandra which reached the UK yesterday has resulted in hundreds of flood warnings for England, with south west England particularly impacted.

There are currently 104 flood warnings in place where flooding is expected and 200 flood alerts where flooding is possible in England. There are multiple road closures in south-west England because of flooding.

A severe flood warning where there is danger to life is in place for the River Otter (Lower) at Ottery St. Mary in Devon. Severe flooding is expected this morning and flood water is expected to be deep and fast flowing. River levels are forecast to be at their highest between 05:00AM and 10:00AM. The water level at the Fenny Bridges Gauge is currently 2.76 metres – the normal range is 0.20m to 1.00m. In December 2000 water levels reached 2.81 metres - the highest level ever recorded at the measuring station.

In Wales there are 5 flood warnings and 23 flood alerts in place, with 2 and 23 respectively for Scotland.

The Met Office warned three hours ago that an Amber Wind warning has come into effect across parts of Northern Ireland, with severe gales likely at times and dangerous coastal conditions expected.

The Environment Agency’s flood forecast issued yesterday said local flooding was probable from surface water across parts of the southwest of England and Tuesday and possible from rivers and surface water across wider parts of England, with local flooding possible from surface water and rivers in parts of England from Wednesday onwards.

The Met Office forecast said strong winds and heavy rain falling on saturated ground would bring impacts on Monday night and Tuesday, with gusty winds impacting the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales before moving north up the Irish Sea where eastern parts of Northern Ireland will see impactful easterly winds through Tuesday.

The Met Office warned three hours ago that an Amber Wind warning has come into effect across parts of Northern Ireland, with severe gales likely at times and dangerous coastal conditions expected. Gusts of 60-70mph are likely widely within the Amber warning area, with 75mph gusts possible in coastal locations.

Heavy rain will also be a hazard as it falls on sensitive areas that have already seen persistent wet weather in recent days, this could lead to some flooding impacts. An Amber warning for rain has been issued for south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset and southeast Cornwall where 30-50mm of rain could fall widely, with up to 60-80mm over higher ground of south Dartmoor.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said:

“Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards to the UK through Monday night and Tuesday. Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, 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 snow becomes a hazard, with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.”