Major incident declared as Storm Claudia hits UK with devastation, floods and energy cuts

Storm Claudia has sparked a major incident after huge amounts of flooding hit Monmouth in South Wales. Fire crews, ambulance services and mountain rescue have been working to carry out rescues and evacuations.

Flooding has also hit part of the West Midlands, while the UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow alert for cold weather for large parts of the country. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared the major incident at 1.30am this morning in Monmouth after severe and widespread flooding.

Authorities worked alongside Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, lifeboat and mountain rescue, the coastguard and neighbouring fire and rescue services. Area Manager Matt Jones said: “This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected.

“I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism and care they continue to show in very difficult circumstances. I would urge the public to avoid the Monmouth area completely.

“The flooding is significant, and we need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most. If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999.”

As of 6am, Natural Resources Wales has issued four severe flood warnings. This means a “significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected”.

The warnings are in effect along the River Monnow in Skenfrith, Osbaston and Over Monnow, as well as the River Wye at Monmouth. Monmouthshire County Council has urged residents to avoid travelling.

Another eight flood warnings and 39 flood alerts have been issued across Wales, with 81 flood warnings and 187 flood alerts issued across England.

A yellow alert for cold weather has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alert is in place from 8am on Monday, November 17, until 8am on Friday, November 21

Met Eireann, Ireland’s meteorological service, has issued weather warnings – with huge amounts of rain likely in the southeast for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow into Saturday morning. It warned significant flooding is possible, along with hazardous travel conditions.

Laura Anne Jones, Welsh MS for South Wales East, wrote on X this morning: “My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by flooding from #StormClaudia. A huge thank you to all the emergency services, MCC and everyone involved in helping people and making areas as safe as possible throughout the night.

“It is heartbreaking to see the devastation to homes and businesses in Monmouth, Abergavenny and across my region. If you are trying to get in touch with family members in Monmouth, electricity has been down and people have been evacuated to the Leisure Centre.

“All donations welcome to help those who didn’t have time to gather their belongings. I will update more when I find out more.”

The Met Office has revealed one Leicestershire town has seen almost 100mm of rainfall alone since Friday morning. It said Mount St Bernard Abbey, near Coalville, recorded 96mm, while Bethesda Quarry, in north Wales, has had 71mm of rainfall.

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