Residents of Iford Bridge Home Park, near Christchurch in Dorset, have been issued with an urgent "danger to life" flood warning and instructed to evacuate as quickly as possible. The alert comes as Storm Chandra continues to wreak havoc across the United Kingdom, with hundreds of flood warnings and alerts in place nationwide.
Immediate Evacuation Orders in Dorset
The Environment Agency has warned that severe flooding is expected later today at the park, which houses approximately 80 homes. Flooding from the River Stour is predicted to be "deep and fast flowing," posing a significant risk to residents. Power to the site is also anticipated to be impacted, compounding the emergency.
In a stark message, the agency advised: "River levels are rising and require residents to evacuate as quickly as possible. Move family, pets and cars to safety and turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so." This directive underscores the gravity of the situation, with authorities prioritising human safety above all else.
Widespread Disruption Across the UK
The crisis in Dorset follows a major incident declared in Somerset on Tuesday evening, where an estimated 50 properties were flooded across areas including Ilminster, West Coker, Taunton, Mudford, and West Camel. Somerset Council leader Bill Revans highlighted that Storm Chandra delivered more than 50mm of rain to parts of the county, exacerbating already saturated ground conditions.
Revans urged the public: "Please avoid travelling if you can and never attempt to drive through floodwater." This advice is echoed by emergency services, as firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles stranded in floodwater on Tuesday, though fortunately no casualties were reported.
National Flood Warning Statistics
As of Wednesday morning, the scale of the flooding threat is evident across the UK:
- England: 85 flood warnings (where flooding is expected) and 214 flood alerts (where it is possible).
- Wales: Nine flood alerts in place.
- Scotland: Seven flood warnings and three flood alerts.
- Northern Ireland: Katesbridge recorded 103mm of rain on Tuesday, according to the Met Office.
This widespread disruption has led to multiple road closures in southwest England and significant train service issues. Great Western Railway has advised passengers not to travel between Exeter St Davids and both Okehampton and Barnstaple, citing poor road conditions that prevent replacement bus services.
Ongoing Weather Threats
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain in the southwest of England on Thursday, valid from midday until 11.59pm. The warning indicates that further rainfall could bring additional flooding and disruption, with a "small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life."
Sky News meteorologist Dr Christopher England warned of an "ongoing flood risk in the South and East, as yesterday's rain moves through the river systems," with unsettled conditions potentially persisting into next week. He added: "Further heavy rain moving into the South West tomorrow and again on Friday will add to the threat. The wind will pick up too, although it won't be anything like as windy as yesterday."
While most of today may see finer conditions, showers are expected mainly over Ireland, Northern Ireland, and northeastern Scotland, keeping the weather pattern volatile. Residents across affected regions are urged to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety advisories as Storm Chandra's impact continues to unfold.
