What is the location of the flooding?
As of January 30, 2026, Storm Chandra’s heavy rainfall and strong winds have triggered significant flooding across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Persistent rain falling on already saturated ground has caused rivers to overflow and surface water flooding to spread across southwest and southern England, as well as central and northern regions. Wales, Northern Ireland, and eastern Ireland have also been affected, with flooding impacts continuing in multiple areas (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding associated with Storm Chandra has been reported in several parts of the UK and Ireland, including:
- Eastern Ireland: Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and southeast counties.
- Northern Ireland: Widespread alerts and community impacts.
- Southwest England: Devon, Dorset, Somerset and surrounding areas.
- Southern and central England: Herefordshire, Hampshire catchments and Wiltshire.
- Wales: Surface water flooding in low-lying communities.
These areas have experienced flooded homes, submerged roads, and disrupted transport services (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Managing the aftermath remains difficult as floodwaters persist and further rain is forecast. Hundreds of flood warnings and dozens of severe alerts continue across England, with major incidents declared in Somerset and significant infrastructure disruption recorded (3).
Emergency pumps are being used to lower water levels, but high rivers and saturated soils increase the risk of renewed flooding. Irish counties remain on extended yellow weather warnings due to ongoing heavy rain.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
There are no nationwide evacuation mandates, but localized evacuation advisories have been issued where flood risk is highest, including “danger to life” warnings for rapidly rising river levels in southwest England (4).
The Met Office and Met Éireann maintain yellow rain and wind alerts across affected regions, and residents are urged to follow local advice, avoid travel in flooded areas, and heed official warnings as conditions evolve.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
