Floodwaters from Storm Chandra Isolate Much of Purbeck

Storm Chandra unleashed severe flooding across Purbeck, Dorset, impacting transportation and daily life significantly. This extreme weather event followed closely after Storm Ingrid, which had already wreaked havoc along Swanage’s seafront.

Key Events from Storm Chandra

On January 26, 2026, Storm Chandra arrived in Purbeck around 6 PM. The Met Office had already issued an Amber rain alert, indicating impending heavy rainfall. Residents woke up on January 27 to discover various routes severely affected by flooding.

Closure of Major Roads

• The A351 road near Corfe Castle was closed after two vehicles became stranded in floodwaters overnight.
• Flooding also affected the Baker’s Arms roundabout at Lytchett Minster.
• The Sandbanks Ferry service was suspended, complicating travel further.

At around 4 AM on January 27, firefighters from Wareham responded to calls about the stuck vehicles. Two occupants were safely rescued. However, the A351 remained closed until around 3 PM that day, when the vehicles were finally towed away.

Impact on Local Communities

With road closures in effect, many students could not attend school as bus services from Swanage to nearby educational institutions were canceled. Additionally, commuters found it challenging to reach work, leading many to work from home instead.

Emergency Responses and Warnings

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service handled numerous calls related to individuals trapped in floodwaters, emphasizing the dangers lurking beneath seemingly shallow surface water. Fire services warned that unseen road dips could catch drivers off guard, increasing the risk of accidents.

Community Alerts

• Ant Bholah, an area manager for the fire service, advised caution for drivers navigating flood zones, particularly at fords.
• The River Frome also flooded, prompting alerts for residents near Wareham due to rising water levels.

Swanage Seafront and Ongoing Challenges

In Swanage, prior damage from Storm Ingrid led to road closures along the lower High Street. The coastline sustained heavy impact, with debris scattered across the road. The need for permanent sea defenses has become increasingly critical.

Plans to construct these defenses were postponed due to government funding changes. Recovery efforts for Swanage’s infrastructure and roadways remain ongoing amid fears of further rain.

Future Projections

Authorities continue to monitor forecasts, warning that additional rain may exacerbates the situation. Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, Jon Andrews, indicated that some areas would likely remain flooded for the foreseeable future.

As residents deal with the aftermath, safety remains a priority. Motorists are urged to heed road closures and proceed with caution while driving through affected areas.