Getting WeatherReady for wind and rain as Storm Chandra approaches

A deep area of low pressure will bring strong winds and heavy rain from Monday night into Tuesday, with impacts likely across several regions. As conditions develop, the Met Office is urging the public to stay WeatherReady by taking simple, practical steps to protect themselves, their homes and the wider community.

In this blog, we’ll set out the latest picture of what to expect, alongside the Met Office’s key WeatherReady advice for wind, rain, and potential flooding.

What to expect from Storm Chandra

Storm Chandra will push wet and windy conditions across the UK, with easterly winds affecting eastern Northern Ireland, gale-force gusts across southwestern coasts, and heavy rain falling onto already saturated ground. An Amber warning for wind has been issued for eastern Northern Ireland, where gusts of 60–70 mph are likely, with 75 mph possible near the coast. Easterly winds of this strength are unusual and could have widespread impacts.

A separate yellow wind warning covers Cornwall, southwest Wales and parts of northern Devon. Rainfall is expected to be particularly significant in the southwest, where an Amber warning for rain is in place for south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset and southeast Cornwall. Here, 30–50 mm of rain is expected widely, with 60–80 mm possible over higher ground such as south Dartmoor.

There are multiple warnings in place for #StormChandra, including amber warnings for rain and strong winds ⚠️

Flooding and damaging winds are expected later today and on Tuesday in parts of the UK.

For further details 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs pic.twitter.com/XeDx6Rwkd8

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2026

Further north, the system will meet colder air, falling as hill snow across Scotland and northern England. With this mixed picture, it’s vital to understand the risks where you live and take action early.

Staying safe in heavy rain

With repeated rainfall falling on saturated ground, flooding is a key concern during Storm Chandra. Follow this three point plan to protect yourself from flooding:

1. Check your property’s flood risk status.
2. Prepare a flood plan so everyone in your household knows what to do.
3. Assemble an emergency flood kit with essentials such as medication, copies of important documents, warm clothing, and a phone charger.

These steps help ensure you can act quickly if conditions deteriorate.

Staying safe if flooding occurs

It’s never too late to protect your home or business. During Storm Chandra, remember:

• Keep up to date with the flood advice in your area.
• Ensure mobiles are fully charged.
• Move valuables and electrical items to higher levels.
• Place your car outside flood‑prone areas.
• Turn off gas, water and electricity supplies if water enters your property.

If you become trapped by rising water, go to the highest safe level in your building, but avoid attics, as rising water can quickly cut off exits. Call 999 if you are in danger and wait for help.

Driving safely in heavy rain

Driving during Storm Chandra may be hazardous. If you must drive:

• Slow down and use main roads where conditions are more predictable.
• Use dipped headlights.
• Allow for longer braking distances on slippery surfaces.
• Keep a larger gap between you and other vehicles.

If water is flowing across the road, do not attempt to drive through it. Even shallow floodwater can stall engines or sweep vehicles off course.

Staying safe in strong winds

Protecting your property from damage

Storm Chandra’s strongest winds are expected to affect exposed southwestern areas of England and Wales before pushing north through the Irish sea. Before winds strengthen, check your outdoor space and secure anything that could blow away or cause injury. This includes:

• bins
• plant pots
• garden furniture
• trampolines
• shed doors and loose panels

Bringing items indoors or tying them down reduces the risk of injury and property damage.

Preparing before a journey

Windy weather can cause travel delays and lead to dangerous conditions on exposed routes. Before setting off:

• Check your planned route for closures or delays.
• Keep updated with travel bulletins on your car radio or sat nav.
• Pack essentials such as warm clothing, blankets, snacks, and a torch.
• Take a fully charged mobile phone and an in‑car charger.

These steps ensure you’re better equipped should Storm Chandra cause disruption.

READ MORE: Understanding the Met Office’s WeatherReady preparedness work

Driving safely in strong wind

If you must drive during the period of strongest gusts, follow these tips:

• Drive more slowly to reduce the impact of sudden gusts.
• Take extra care around high-sided vehicles, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Give larger vehicles more room, especially when overtaking.

Remember that bridges, coastal routes and high ground are particularly exposed in storms.

Staying safe at the coast

Strong winds can create dangerous coastal conditions. Stay well back from breaking waves, check local tide times, and keep dogs on leads near cliffs. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Looking out for others

Storm Chandra may impact vulnerable individuals more significantly. Check in with neighbours, particularly older people, those with medical conditions, or anyone living alone. Offer support with essentials or help them access medical advice. If you are concerned about someone’s health, contact NHS 111.

Stay informed and WeatherReady

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help reduce the risks posed by Storm Chandra. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts, follow official warnings, and use Met Office WeatherReady guidance to plan ahead. Being informed and prepared is the best way to stay safe as this next spell of unsettled weather moves through.

You can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.