A MAJOR incident has been declared as Brits are braced for further flooding in the aftermath of Storm Chandra’s devastation.
The Met Office has issued a new “danger to life” warning – with hundreds of flood alerts in place across the country today.
Brits were hit with road closures and cancelled flights yesterday after record-breaking downpours left swathes of the country underwater.
In Somerset, the council declared a major incident, saying there had been “extensive flooding overnight”.
The local authority added that the risk of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors “remains high as rainwater moves through the system.”
But the south-west is braced for further downpours today after the Met Office confirmed a yellow weather warning for rain is in place.
The forecaster warned of the “danger to life” risks due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater in the region.
Locals in Dorset, Somerset and east Devon are continuing the clear-up operation after their towns were submerged by severe flooding yesterday.
Somerset Council estimated 50 properties had been affected across Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford and West Camel.
Council leader Bill Revans said: “The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond to this ongoing situation.
“Storm Chandra brought more than 50mm of rain… on top of already saturated land, and this has caused widespread disruption.”
Firefighters in the region rescued people from 25 vehicles stranded in 3ft-high floodwater yesterday morning.
Drivers were forced to abandon their cars in the deep floodwater at Weycroft Bridge in Axminster, Devon.
While in Somerset, a woman was snapped carrying her dog to safety with the help of firemen.
Meanwhile, shocking images showed a £350,000 seaside chalet had been wiped out by gusts and heavy rain on Branscombe Beach in East Devon.
RAC‘s Nick Mullender warned motorists to avoid driving through standing water.
He said: “Do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it’s safe to do so.
“In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert.
“Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential.”
Some areas across the UK, including worst-hit south-west England and Northern Ireland provisionally set new January daily rainfall records.
Katesbridge, in Northern Ireland, has provisionally recorded more than 10 centimetres of rain.
Belfast City Airport cancelled dozens of flights, while ferry crossings were also impacted during the horrific conditions.
More than 300 schools shut their doors in NI – as Belfast Met campuses moved classes online for thousands of pupils.
In England, seven schools were forced to close in Herefordshire amid concerns for the safety of both staff and pupils.
Trees also came crashing down due to the gusts in some residential areas – missing homes by yards.
Snow ploughs were even called in to clear roads for rush-hour commuters in County Durham.
The M48 Severn Bridge was completely closed, while the Humber Bridge was shut to high-sided vehicles due to wind.
Passengers watched on as landings as Leeds Bradford Airport were affected by strong gusts and heavy rain.
Great Western Railways confirmed it had cancelled services after railway lines were blocked by severe flooding.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen had warned of the risks brought by Storm Chandra – including 80mph gusts and heavy rain.
He said: “Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and south-west Wales… gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.
“Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
“As Chandra interacts with colder air further north snow becomes a hazard…
“…with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.
“With a complex spell of weather, its important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area.”
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