The M48 Severn Bridge was closed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after strong and hazardous winds swept across the South West, part of the ongoing impact of Storm Chandra. This major crossing between England and Wales now requires motorists to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternative route.
National Highways confirmed the closure on X (formerly Twitter), stating the M48 Severn Crossing is shut in both directions between Junction 2 (Chepstow) and Junction 1 (Aust) due to the severe wind conditions. The decision prioritises public safety, with wind speeds under constant surveillance.
The Severn Estuary’s geography funnels high gusts of wind particularly onto the older M48 Severn Bridge, which lacks the protective wind barriers installed on its sister crossing, the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge. According to National Highways, the M48 is closed whenever gusts exceed 40 knots (46 mph). Should wind speeds surpass 70 knots (80 mph), both bridges are shut, with traffic rerouted via a longer diversion involving the M5, M50, A40, and A449.
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Storm Chandra has triggered more than just bridge closures. Torrential rain has saturated the ground, causing flooding in Dorset, Somerset, and eastern Devon, resulting in road closures such as the A30 in East Devon, the A303 on the Somerset-Devon border, and the A35 in Dorset. Additionally, East Yorkshire’s Humber Bridge restricts access to high-sided vehicles, and rail services on South Western Railway could face ongoing disruptions.
Early Tuesday, 97 flood warnings were in effect across England, primarily focused on the South West, alongside flood alerts in Wales and parts of Scotland. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings related to Storm Chandra, including an amber warning for heavy rain and flooding, and yellow warnings for rain and strong winds in the region.
Forecasters expect gusts of up to 80 mph in affected coastal areas, including the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and south-west Wales. The unusual easterly winds combined with heavy rain pose further risks of flooding and travel hazards. Snowfall is anticipated on higher ground across the Pennines, southern Scotland, and the Highlands as the storm moves northward.
The Met Office urges the public to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and adhere to safety advice as the complex and severe weather continues to impact large parts of the UK throughout the day.