Forecasters have issued yellow and amber weather alerts for rain in extensive areas of Wales and southern England. Drivers, commuters, and residents are advised to prepare for travel disruptions and potential flooding.

The Met Office warning, spanning Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning, cautions about Storm Chandra bringing heavy rain that could exacerbate existing saturated ground conditions. This increases the risk of localized flooding, potentially impacting homes, businesses, and road access in select regions.

The affected areas under the yellow warning encompass parts of southern and southwest England, London, South East England, Mid and South Wales, and The West Midlands. Subsequent rain on Tuesday is expected in eastern England, with forecasted rainfall totals ranging from 20-30mm, possibly reaching 30-40mm in some places. Hilly regions like Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Bannau Brycheiniog may experience 50mm or more precipitation. The warning also highlights concerns about slippery road conditions, potential power outages, longer travel times, and challenging walking conditions in exposed areas.

To mitigate risks, the Met Office advises checking road conditions before setting out, adjusting travel plans where feasible, and preparing for potential floods in flood-prone areas. An amber rain warning has also been issued for South West England, covering Plymouth, Exeter, and Weymouth.

The amber alert warns of likely fast-flowing or deep floodwaters, posing a risk to life, with the possibility of communities being isolated due to flooded roads. Power cuts are anticipated in affected regions, potentially impacting households and businesses, with the added caution of possible landslides in susceptible locations as per the Met Office’s guidance.

For safety during floods, the Met Office recommends six simple steps, including seeking higher ground in flooded buildings, avoiding attic spaces to prevent entrapment, moving to a roof if necessary, and contacting emergency services for assistance.

In line with best practices, Reach and its affiliates utilize data from cookies and other identifiers to enhance user experience, analyze site usage, and deliver personalized advertising. Users can opt out of data sharing or selling by clicking the designated button on the webpage. Continued use of the website signifies acceptance of cookie usage and consent to the privacy and terms outlined in the Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.