Storm Chandra has arrived, bringing a double whammy of heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the UK. Chelsea vs Everton delivered Premier League drama. Storm Chandra delivered weather drama instead. The Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings across Cornwall, Devon and Wales. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. Storm Chandra could be life-changing for travel plans in the affected regions. Here is everything you need to know about the storm in 2026.
Storm Chandra: What You Need to Know
Storm Chandra is a deep Atlantic low-pressure system named by the UK Met Office. The storm will bring persistent heavy rain and strong winds to southern and western parts of the UK. The most severe impacts are expected in Cornwall, Devon and parts of Wales. The storm follows a record-breaking May heatwave that saw temperatures reach 35.1°C at Kew Gardens [citation:3]. The sudden change in weather has created unstable conditions [citation:2].
Amber Rain Warning: 80mm of Rain Forecast
The Met Office has issued an amber rain warning for Cornwall. The warning is in effect from 17:00 GMT on Monday until 09:00 GMT on Tuesday [citation:1]. Widespread rainfall of 30-50mm is expected across the warning area. Higher ground, particularly south Dartmoor, could see 60-80mm of rain [citation:1]. The rain will fall on already saturated ground, which significantly increases the risk of flooding [citation:1].
Yellow Rain Warning Extended
A yellow rain warning covers a wider area, including much of Cornwall, Devon, South Wales and parts of the West Country. This warning runs from 13:00 GMT on Monday until 10:00 GMT on Tuesday [citation:1]. Rainfall totals of 20-30mm are expected widely, with 50-80mm likely across higher ground including Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Brecon Beacons [citation:1].
Wind Warning: 70mph Gusts Possible
Storm Chandra is also bringing strong winds to the region. A yellow wind warning has been issued for Cornwall and surrounding areas. The warning is in effect from 05:00 GMT until 16:00 GMT on Tuesday [citation:1]. Winds will be south to southwesterly. Peak gusts of 50-60 mph are expected inland. Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 60-70 mph [citation:1]. There is a small chance of gusts up to 80 mph for parts of the Isles of Scilly and Pembrokeshire [citation:1].
Flooding Risk: Ground Already Saturated
The main concern with Storm Chandra is flooding. The ground is already saturated after a wet spring. The heavy rain will have nowhere to go. Rivers could rise quickly. Surface water flooding is likely on roads and in low-lying areas. The Environment Agency has issued several flood alerts for Devon and Cornwall. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare now.
Thunderstorms Follow Record May Heat
Storm Chandra follows a record-breaking spell of May heat. Tuesday was recorded as the hottest May day ever for both England and Wales. Kew Gardens provisionally hit 35.1°C. Cardiff Bute Park reached 32.9°C [citation:3]. The UK also witnessed a “tropical night” on Monday, as temperatures remained above 20°C overnight for the second consecutive night. The record for the warmest minimum temperature in May was broken for a third straight night, with temperatures failing to drop below 21.4°C in Camborne, Cornwall [citation:3].
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill called the heat “exceedingly hot” and “exceptional.” He added: “It really is an exceptionally warm or very hot spell at the moment. For any time of the year it’s hot, but for May in particular – it is still meteorological spring. The fact that we’ve exceeded the May temperature by such an amount really is extraordinary and quite worrying” [citation:3].
Travel Disruption Expected
The combination of heavy rain and strong winds will cause significant travel disruption. Roads may be affected by surface water and spray. Motorists should reduce their speed and allow extra time for journeys. Rail services could be delayed or cancelled. Network Rail introduced speed restrictions on tracks during the heatwave to ensure passenger safety. Similar precautions may be needed during the storm [citation:3].
Train operators including Great Western Railway and CrossCountry have warned of potential delays. Passengers should check before travelling. Airports in the South West, including Exeter and Bristol, may experience delays.
Safety Advice During Storm Chandra
Travel Safety
Avoid non-essential travel in amber warning areas if possible. If you must drive, reduce your speed significantly. Be aware of crosswinds on exposed routes. Watch for surface water and standing water on roads. Never drive through floodwater. Just 30cm of moving water can float a car.
Home Safety
Secure loose outdoor items before the storm arrives. Garden furniture, bins and trampolines can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Close and lock all windows and doors. Stay away from windows during the strongest winds. Check on vulnerable neighbours before the storm hits.
Flood Preparation
If you live in a flood-prone area, move valuables and important documents upstairs. Prepare sandbags if available. Know how to turn off your gas and electricity. Sign up for flood warnings from the Environment Agency.
Comparison to Other May Storms
May storms are relatively rare in the UK. The last significant May storm was in 2018 when Storm Hector brought 80mph winds. Storm Chandra is unusual because it follows such an extreme heatwave. The sudden transition from hot to wet and windy weather is a shock to the system.
What’s Next After Storm Chandra?
The storm will clear to the northeast by Tuesday afternoon. Conditions will slowly improve through Tuesday evening. Wednesday is expected to be largely dry with sunny spells. However, another band of rain could arrive by the weekend. Forecasters are monitoring a new low-pressure system developing in the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Storm Chandra hit the UK? Storm Chandra will affect the UK from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. The amber rain warning is in effect from 17:00 GMT Monday to 09:00 GMT Tuesday.
How much rain will Storm Chandra bring? The amber warning area could see 30-50mm of rain widely, with 60-80mm on higher ground such as Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Brecon Beacons.
What wind speeds are expected? Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are expected. Exposed coastal areas could see gusts of 60-70 mph. The Isles of Scilly and Pembrokeshire could see gusts up to 80 mph.
Which areas are affected by Storm Chandra? Cornwall, Devon, South Wales and parts of the West Country are most affected. The amber warning covers Cornwall. Yellow warnings cover a wider area.
Will there be travel disruption? Yes. Heavy rain and strong winds will cause difficult driving conditions. Rail and air travel may also be affected. Check before travelling.
To Get More News Insights Click On
Chelsea 2-1 Everton: Cole Palmer’s Stoppage-Time Penalty Sends Stamford Bridge Into Pandemonium
Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? 2026: Where to Watch Agatha Christie’s Hidden Gem on BritBox
Nintendo DS 2026: The Dual-Screen Handheld That Defined a Generation Still Lives On
Omaze UK 2026: Latest House Draw Winners, Million Pound Superdraws, and How to Enter
To Get More Info: Derbyshire Daily