Britain is bracing for the onslaught of Storm Claudia, which is forecasted to unleash up to six inches of rainfall within a mere 12-hour window, as well as potentially hazardous 70mph winds and flooding concerns.
The Met Office has responded by issuing two amber alerts for heavy rain, targeting regions in central England and South Wales. These alerts are scheduled to take effect from noon tomorrow, persisting until midnight.
Additionally, a broader yellow warning for rain has been put in place, covering much of southern England and the Midlands. This advisory will be active from 6 a.m. tomorrow and will remain until 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Furthermore, two yellow wind warnings are in effect for parts of North West England and North West Wales, both set for tomorrow from midday to midnight.
Storm Claudia, originating from Spain where it currently impacts western Iberia and the Canary Islands, is set to bring extended periods of heavy rainfall and robust easterly winds across the UK.
South Wales is anticipated to bear the brunt of the weather, with widespread rainfall amounts of 50mm to 75mm (approximately 3 inches) in the amber warning zones, and reaching 100mm to 150mm (up to 6 inches) on elevated terrains.
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
Storm Claudia, named by Spain’s weather service, will affect the UK with heavy rain tomorrow
A bridge over flooded fields at Axminster in Devon yesterday after the River Axe burst its banks
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.
The Met Office said Storm Claudia is currently affecting western Iberia and the Canary Islands
Large waves strike Carcavelos Beach in Portugal as Storm Claudia hits western Iberia today
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 forecaster Neil Armstrong said low pressure was dominating the week’s weather.
He added: ‘There are increased sensitivities now compared to earlier in the autumn due to recent heavy rainfall events, so we are keeping a close eye on already saturated ground as this could lead to some flooding.’
In the North of the UK, the weather is expected to turn colder with overnight frosts expected in places from tomorrow to Sunday.
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.
‘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.’
