The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings as Storm Claudia delivers heavy, persistent rain across England and Wales from Friday into early Saturday. Some areas could see close to a
full month’s rainfall within 24 hours, increasing the risk of flooding and travel disruption.
Recent flooding in parts of south Wales and central England means the ground is already saturated.
Rainfall and warnings
Yellow warnings cover most of England and Wales until 06:00 Saturday.
30–50mm of rain is expected widely.
Amber warnings are in place from 12:00–23:59 Friday across:
South-east Wales – up to 150mm of rain possible on high ground
East Wales, the Midlands and parts of eastern England – 40–80mm expected
Strong easterly winds, with gusts up to 70mph in north-west Wales and the Pennines, may cause minor damage and further disruption.
Travel disruption
Flooding is likely within amber warning zones.
Rail operators, including Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry, are running reduced services.
Drivers are urged to avoid travel in worst-hit areas, with RAC warning flooded roads pose a “risk to life.”
National Highways teams are clearing drains and gullies ahead of the downpours.
Storm origin
Storm Claudia was named by Spain’s meteorological agency (AEMET) after causing severe rain in Spain and Portugal. Although winds will be strong in parts of the UK, this is primarily a rainstorm, not a typical Atlantic windstorm.
A very wet November
Several regions have already exceeded their average monthly rainfall just halfway into November.
Cumbria’s Shap and Carlisle have already surpassed their monthly norms.
Parts of the Lake District and Bannau Brycheiniog have seen 200–500mm of rain.
Earlier flooding in south Wales has been described by one Carmarthen business owner as “the worst in living memory.” Photo by Sue Adair, Wikimedia commons.