The storm descended with a furious roar, unleashing chaos across the United Kingdom. It wasn't just the relentless rain and howling winds; Storm Chandra brought a brutal assault on travel, turning journeys into perilous undertakings.
In Newcastle, the drama unfolded in the skies. An EasyJet flight battling its way from Belfast International was caught in the storm’s grip, visibly rocking violently just moments before attempting a landing. The struggle was a stark reminder of the forces at play, a testament to the pilot’s skill against nature’s fury.
Elsewhere, an Emirates flight bound for Newcastle faced an even more daunting challenge. Unable to navigate the treacherous winds, the Boeing 777 was forced to divert to Edinburgh, declaring a general emergency as it circled above the airport before finally touching down.
But the storm’s impact wasn’t confined to the air. Across Devon and Somerset, roads transformed into rivers, trapping at least 25 people in their vehicles. Emergency services worked tirelessly, pulling stranded drivers from rising floodwaters as rivers burst their banks, threatening further devastation.
The situation in Axminster, Devon, was particularly dire. Weycroft Bridge became a scene of desperation as vans and SUVs found themselves submerged, their occupants awaiting rescue. Firefighters issued a chilling warning: floodwater is deceptively powerful, capable of quickly overwhelming vehicles and endangering lives.
Police urged motorists to avoid travel in Exeter, East and Mid Devon, warning that even alternative routes were becoming increasingly hazardous. The A30 remained closed, a stark symbol of the storm’s disruptive power, while a danger-to-life warning was issued for the River Otter, highlighting the severity of the flooding.
The disruption extended to the railways. Multiple routes were shut down due to waterlogged tracks, causing widespread delays and cancellations. Passengers faced significant disruption between Wilmslow and Crewe following an electricity failure and a fallen tree, impacting several train operators.
Even the Island Line, known for its picturesque coastal route, was affected, with services suspended at Ryde Pier Head and Ryde Esplanade due to the rough conditions. The storm’s reach was truly comprehensive, impacting every mode of transportation.
Airports weren’t immune to the chaos. Belfast City Airport bore the brunt of the cancellations, with around 30 flights grounded. Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport also reported delays and cancellations, as pilots navigated challenging crosswinds and turbulent skies.
Loganair, a regional operator, cancelled a dozen flights, further compounding the travel misery. While Heathrow managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy, even there, delays and cancellations were unavoidable, a testament to the storm’s far-reaching consequences.
From flooded roads and grounded flights to disrupted rail lines and cancelled ferry crossings, Storm Chandra left a trail of chaos in its wake. The storm served as a powerful reminder of the raw force of nature and the vulnerability of even the most sophisticated travel systems.
