What is the location of the flooding?
As of January 29, 2026, Storm Chandra’s heavy rainfall and gusty winds have caused flooding across large parts of the United Kingdom, including southwest, central and northern England, as well as Wales, Northern Ireland, and eastern Ireland.
Rivers have overflowed, surface water flooding has affected towns and rural areas, and saturated ground has exacerbated runoff, prolonging flood impacts in multiple regions (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Floodwaters and flood warnings cover broad swaths 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, Exeter, Somerset and surrounding areas.
- Southern and central England: Herefordshire, Hampshire catchments and Wiltshire.
- Wales: Surface water flooding in low-lying communities.
These regions continue to face inundation of roads, infrastructure, and rivers bursting their banks as conditions evolve (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Managing the flooding remains challenging as Storm Chandra’s aftermath persists. Flood warnings remain active across more than 80 UK locations, with severe “danger to life” flood alerts issued for parts of Devon and Dorset (3).
Emergency responders are assisting with access and rescues in inundated towns, and major roads, such as the M5 near Exeter, are closed due to high water levels. Additional rain is forecast, which may continue to stretch resources (4).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have not issued broad evacuation mandates but maintain significant flood and weather warnings. The Met Office has issued amber and yellow rain and wind alerts across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Met Éireann has placed six Irish counties under status yellow rain warnings due to ongoing risk (5).
Local advice continues to urge residents in flood-prone zones to avoid travel, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow updates from flood authorities.
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.
