The UK is bracing for meaningful disruption as Storm Claudia unleashes torrential rainfall across large swathes of England and Wales, prompting amber weather warnings and the activation of flood defenses.
Amber warnings are currently in effect for areas including Wales, the Midlands, the south west, south east, east of England, and parts of northern England, with heavy rainfall expected to continue into Saturday. The Met Office warns that some locations could receive a month’s worth of rain within 24 hours, potentially leading to flooding and travel chaos. This event underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the UK and the importance of preparedness for communities at risk.
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.”
Strong easterly winds and thunderstorms are also forecast across parts of the UK later on Friday. The most severe conditions are concentrated in south-east Wales,where up to 150mm (nearly 6 inches) of rain is predicted to fall on higher ground,exceeding the average November rainfall for central England and south Wales,wich typically ranges between 60-100mm (3-4in).
Elsewhere, 40-60mm (1.6-3in) of rain is likely, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 80mm (3.2in). Flood defences have already been deployed in Bewdley, Wales, and emergency services in Shrewsbury are preparing to implement similar measures on Saturday.
