Storm Chandra and flooding: practical guidance for customers

28th January 2026

Storm Chandra has brought heavy rain and strong winds onto already saturated ground, with flooding and disruption reported across parts of the UK, and flood warnings and alerts continuing in many areas.

If you have been affected here are some practical steps you can take:

Put safety first

Avoid floodwater where possible. Don’t walk or drive through it – it can contain sewage, hide debris and be deeper than it looks.
If floodwater is entering your home and it’s safe to do so, turn off electricity, gas and water at the mains. If it’s not safe, leave and call for help.
Only return home when emergency services say it’s safe, and don’t switch utilities back on until they’ve been checked by a qualified engineer or utility provider.

If you’ve had damage: what to do in the first 24–48 hours

Contact your insurer as soon as you can. The ABI’s guidance is to prioritise safety and notify your insurer promptly so support can be mobilised.
Take photos/videos of damage (building and contents) before moving items where possible, and keep notes of what’s happened.
Only do temporary ‘make-safe’ measures that are clearly necessary (for example, stopping further ingress if safe). Keep a simple record of actions and costs, and tell your insurer what you’ve done. (If in doubt, ask your insurer first.)
Be cautious with drying and cleaning: contaminated floodwater can be hazardous. If you’re unsure, wait for professional advice/attendance.

What to check in your policy (and what to ask your insurer)

Every policy is different, but these are the areas that typically matter during floods/storm events:

Is flood/storm damage covered? Also are there any key exclusions.
Emergency helpline details and the process for authorising immediate make-safe work.
Alternative accommodation and “loss of use” support if your home isn’t liveable.
Excess amounts and any specific conditions for storm/flood claims.
Contents vs buildings cover (especially for floor-level items).
Preferred/approved suppliers – some insurers have agreed networks (like us) and processes that speed things up.

Above all, keep checking official flood and weather warnings for your area and contact your insurer as early as possible so support can be put in place.