National Highways warned drivers that they should not attempt to drive through floodwater as heavy rains from Storm Chandra falls on already saturated ground and poses flood risks
National Highways has closed several major roads in the South West of the UK as the country is battered by Storm Chandra.
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for rain across the region on Tuesday, January 27, as the storm is expected to deliver widespread heavy rain and strong winds. The forecaster has warned of possible flooding conditions which could make it challenging to drive.
The amber weather warning covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
The Met Office said parts of Devon, Somerset, Dorset and southeast Cornwall could see 30‑50mm of rain. Between 60‑80mm of rain is possible over higher ground such as south Dartmoor.
Winds of 60‑70mph can be expected in exposed areas.
Storm Chandra is has hit the UK shortly after the country was battered by both Storm Goretti and Storm Ingrid. The prolonged period of wet weather means the ground is already saturated and more prone to flooding impacts.
National Highways has closed several roads due to these factors.
The following roads have been closed:
A30 – East Devon
The road is closed in both directions between the B3174/B3180 junctions near Ottery St Mary and the B3184 for Exeter Airport due to significant flooding.
National Highways said “standing water has made the route impassable, and conditions remain hazardous.”
A303 – Somerset / Devon border
The A303 is closed in both directions between the A30 at Upottery and the A358 at Horton Cross due to flooding.
National Highways said area team crews are on scene to clear floodwater from the carriageway. Police are assisting at the scene.
A35 – Dorset
A35 in Dorset is closed in both directions between the A352 Max Gate junction and the B3150 Stinsford Roundabout near Dorchester due to flooding.
Surface water is affecting the carriageway. National Highways said “the route remains unsafe for traffic at this time.”
Speaking on the flooding more generally, National Highways said specialist teams will assess carriageway drainage systems, including gullies, culverts and ditches, checking 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 said.
Pumps must be deployed to remove large volumes of water in some cases. National Highways said 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 said.
“Drivers should be aware that surrounding local roads may also be affected by flooding and should not attempt to drive through floodwater.”
