Storm Claudia to batter Britain with as much as six inches of rain falling in simply 12 hours – as Met Office points amber climate warning
Storm Claudia will hit Britain with up to six inches of rain in just 12 hours over the coming days amid fears over 70mph wind gusts and flooding.
The Met Office has issued two ‘danger to life’ amber rain warnings for parts of central England and South Wales tomorrow, both running from 12pm to midnight.
A wider and longer yellow rain warning was also imposed for most of southern England and the Midlands, active from 6am tomorrow until 6am on Saturday.
Two yellow wind warnings will also cover parts of North West England and North West Wales, both operating tomorrow from 12pm until midnight.
The storm – named in Spain, where it is currently affecting western Iberia and the Canary Islands – will bring prolonged heavy rain and strong easterly winds to the UK.
South Wales is set to see the most rain, with 50mm to 75mm (3in) expected widely in the amber warning area – and 100mm (4in) to 150mm (6in) on some higher ground.
The area of central England under the amber warning is expected to have 40mm (1.6in) to 60mm (2.4in) of rain. Some parts of the East Midlands, western England and higher ground in Wales within this same area could see around 80mm (3.1in).
Forecasters said any travel disruption could be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, with gusts of 50 to 60mph expected during the afternoon and evening.
The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings for England and Wales tomorrow
A bridge over flooded fields at Axminster in Devon yesterday after the River Axe burst its banks
Storm Claudia, named by Spain’s weather service, will affect the UK with heavy rain tomorrow
Up to 70mph is also possible over some exposed hilltop and coastal spots, while thunderstorms are expected later tomorrow afternoon and evening.
The amber warning for central England states ‘fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life’, while ‘homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings’.
It also warns of ‘spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures’ and a ‘good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads’.
Furthermore, the warning states ‘delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely’ with ‘power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses possible’.
The amber warning for Wales is similar, but additionally says: ‘Loss of power and other essential services, such as gas, water or mobile phone services, is possible.’
The Environment Agency has warned local flooding is possible from rivers and surface water.
Some 20 flood warnings and 35 flood alerts have been issued across England.
Natural Resources Wales has issued eight flood alerts, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency activated two flood warnings and seven flood alerts.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: ‘Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday.
‘This rain will become slow moving, and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.
The Met Office said Storm Claudia is currently affecting western Iberia and the Canary Islands
Cumulative rainfall totals from today until Saturday could reach over 100mm (4in) in places
‘Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding and contributing to the amber warnings we have issued.’
Forecasters added that Claudia will not directly cross the UK, in contrast to many named storms – although it will be responsible for the heavy rain from tomorrow.
The system is expected to largely maintain its position to the west of Britain, although the associated fronts will weaken through Saturday.
By the weekend, the North of the UK will be firmly under a colder airmass with overnight frosts, and it will be drier and brighter despite further showers.
In the South, the weekend will begin largely cloudy and wet, and still mild in the far south. The rain will gradually ease and eventually clear to the south, with the drier and colder conditions further north affecting all parts by the start of next week.
The AA urged motorists to take extra care when the warnings are in force – with Shaun Jones, its roadside patrolman of the year, saying: ‘Safety comes first.
‘Reduce your speed, keep your distance, and avoid flooded roads completely. Conditions may change quickly, so stay updated and make sure you’re prepared before you travel.
Large waves strike Carcavelos Beach in Portugal as Storm Claudia hits western Iberia today
‘Flood water can appear quickly, and even shallow water can be dangerous – never try to drive through it. Stay tuned to local traffic updates and adjust your speed to suit the conditions. If your car starts to aquaplane, ease off the accelerator gently to regain control.’
Into next week, temperatures will be noticeably lower across the UK, but especially in the North and East.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: ‘We urge drivers to take the amber weather warnings associated with Storm Claudia extremely seriously, as they indicate roads are likely to become flooded and therefore represent a risk to life.
‘Drivers may wish to consider delaying their journeys until the worst of the impacts are over, especially in areas that are hardest hit this weekend.’
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents urged the public to take extra precautions ahead of Storm Claudia.
Steve Cole, the charity’s policy director, said: ‘Storm Claudia isn’t just a risk outdoors; homes may be vulnerable too.
‘Secure garden furniture, bins, and anything that could blow away or cause damage. Indoors, make sure windows and doors are firmly shut and keep an emergency kit ready.
‘On the roads, your regular journey may be difficult. Rain doubles stopping distances and aquaplaning can happen in seconds. Slow down, keep your distance, and never attempt to drive through floodwater. These simple steps can help protect your home, your journey and keep communities safe.’
