Storm Chandra is expected to affect Swadlincote and South Derbyshire from Monday evening, January 26, 2026, bringing heavy rain and strong gusts. The Met Office has warned that gusts of around 60–65 mph are possible in the Midlands, with heavier gusts elsewhere, and that heavy rain falling on already saturated ground could cause local flooding.
Derbyshire County Council says it is pre-positioning sandbags and carrying out gully and drain clearance in known hotspots, including areas around Woodville and Midway, to help manage surface water. Drivers are being advised to take extra care on key routes such as the A511 and A514, where high winds and standing water could make travel difficult on Tuesday morning.
The Environment Agency is monitoring river levels in the area and the risk to local tributaries. Residents in low-lying or riverside locations — including parts of Swadlincote such as the Darklands Road area named in local briefings — are advised to check the government flood-warning service and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
The Met Office guidance indicates the most disruptive period is likely in the early hours of Tuesday, with the peak of wind and rain expected between about 02:00 and 10:00 on January 27; this may also lead to delays or temporary speed restrictions on local bus and train services.
For the latest official guidance and live warnings see the Met Office and the government flood-warning service, and consult Derbyshire County Council’s flood-resilience and sandbag information pages.
