Storm Chandra Brings Challenging Conditions for Travel Across the UK
Storm Chandra is expected to cause notable travel disruption across parts of the UK and Northern Ireland from late Monday into Tuesday, as periods of heavy rain and strengthening winds move across key regions. The system will track northeastwards overnight, affecting southern and southwest England, Wales and Northern Ireland in stages. With rainfall arriving after an already wet period, transport networks are likely to face pressure during the early hours of Tuesday.
The heaviest rain is forecast overnight, with widespread accumulations across southern England and Wales and higher totals over upland areas such as Dartmoor, Exmoor and parts of southern Wales. In Northern Ireland, rain is expected to arrive in waves from Monday afternoon and return on Tuesday, adding pressure to already wet ground and raising the chance of surface water issues. As a result, travellers may face longer travel times and short term changes to routes, especially where roads and rail tracks run through lower lying areas.
Travel conditions may become more difficult as strong winds develop, particularly in exposed parts of Northern Ireland where easterly and southeasterly gusts are expected to intensify. Rough sea conditions may interfere with ferry services and coastal roads, while drivers inland could face tougher driving conditions when sudden gusts hit open stretches. Although winds may ease briefly, another period of strong gusts is possible later on Tuesday, extending the window of potential disruption.
Storm Chandra is expected to affect travel across the UK, with disruptions such as delays, cancellations and revised services reported on multiple transport networks. In certain areas, drivers could be sent along different routes and should plan for longer journeys, while train and bus services may change or operate less often with little advance notice. Anyone planning ferry travel or coastal crossings may need to check schedules more frequently, particularly in Northern Ireland and in areas exposed to rough weather.
Travellers are advised to plan journeys more carefully as Storm Chandra moves through the region. Looking up road conditions and transport service updates shortly before setting off, building in extra transfer time and steering clear of tight connections may help limit disruption. Those travelling early on Tuesday should be prepared for delays on exposed routes, even as weather conditions are expected to ease later in the day.