Motorists saved as Storm Chandra inundates roads and leaves vehicles stranded in increasing water levels throughout the UK

27 January 2026 , 13:57

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Motorists saved as Storm Chandra inundates roads and leaves vehicles stranded in increasing water levels throughout the UK

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.

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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.

The weather is not only wreaking havoc on land, but flights are also struggling with gusts reaching up to 70mph on exposed coast.

An Emirates flight from Dubai to Newcastle was forced to divert to Edinburgh today after it was unable to land, thought to have been due strong winds. The Boeing 777 circled above Newcastle airport for a while before declaring a general emergency and heading to Edinburgh, where it landed shortly after midday, the flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows.

Drivers in Exeter, East and Mid Devon have been asked to travel this morning after flooding and multiple rescues (Credits: Axminster Fire Station/BNPS)

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.

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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.

Ferry journeys have also been far from smooth sailing after cancellations.

The ferry operator Stena Line axed sailing today citing adverse weather conditions, including between Belfast and Liverpool, and between Dublin and Holyhead.

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.

While flooding has plagued southern England and Wales, snow ploughs had to be called out in County Durham (Picture: Jordan Crosby)

And in Northern Ireland, the conditions were damp after Storm Chandra dumped up to 70mm of rain, with drivers having to be helped through flooding near Belfast International Airport (Picture: Getty Images)

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.

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.

A plane landed at Leeds Bradford Airport in the stormy weather (Picture: NB Press Ltd)

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.

Emily Hughes