People rescued from floodwater as Storm Chandra continues to batter the South West
A number of roads remain closed across the region
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
People have been rescued from vehicles stuck in floodwater as Storm Chandra continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the South West.
Firefighters in Devon and Somerset rescued people from 25 vehicles in floodwater this morning (January 27).
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed there were no casualties.
Axminster Fire Station posted images and videos of multiple vehicles in floodwater on Facebook.
A severe flood warning for the lower River Otter was in place this morning but has now been removed by the Environment Agency.
There are still several other alerts in place and emergency services are continuing to urge people not to travel.
In Devon there were 47 schools closed, and a number of roads closed due to flooding which included the A30 between the B3174/B3180 junctions near Ottery St Mary and the B3184 for Exeter Airport.
Several health services have also been affected.
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been posting updates on its Facebook page:
"Currently Honiton MIU, Greendale vaccination centre and the Beacon Centre are closed, and due to access issues many Ottery St Mary appointments and clinics are impacted.
"Tonight's drop-in cervical screening clinic in Exeter has also been stepped down."
Workers at Dart's farm in Topsham had to travel to work today via canoe due to the flooding.
In Cornwall there has been some disruption with flooding on the rail lines between Par and Newquay and Liskeard and Looe, impacting train services.
All Skybus flights to and from the Isles of Scilly were also cancelled and the Kernow Weather Team said gusts of nearly 80 miles an hour have been recorded in the west of the county.
In Dorset a severe flood warning for danger to life was issued this afternoon and remains in place affecting the Upper Frome at Dorchester.
Low-lying land and roads are expected to be worst affected, with river levels still rising.
Dorchester Fire Station say they are extremely busy dealing with rescues from water and are asking people not to drive through floodwater.
Dorset Council also say there are delays to bin collections in some areas due to flooding.
The A35 in Dorset is closed in both directions between the A352 Max Gate junction and the B3150 Stinsford roundabout near Dorchester.
Meanwhile in Somerset a number of major roads across the county are still impassable due including the A358 at Horton Cross, A38 at Wellington and the A359 at Mudford.
Around 33 homes have been flooded in Ilminster where 12 people and a dog were rescued by firefighters.
A number of schools were also closed or partially shut today.