The disruption caused by Storm Claudia is far from over, with significant flooding and heavy downpours expected to continue across large parts of the UK on Saturday.
Widespread Flooding and Travel Chaos
Following a day of severe weather on Friday, a yellow warning for rain remains active until 6am on Saturday for central and northern England, the South West, and Wales. The Environment Agency has issued 82 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, alongside a further 194 flood alerts indicating possible flooding.
The most intense rainfall was recorded in southeast Wales, where a rain gauge at Tafalog in Gwent measured 81.8mm – a figure representing more than 60% of the region's average November rainfall in a single deluge. In northern England, the storm led to flooded properties, with the Environment Agency reporting at least 17 homes affected.
Transport networks have borne the brunt of the disruption. Rail services across England and Wales faced widespread cancellations and delays due to flooding, with National Rail advising passengers to check their journeys. Road travel was also severely impacted, with roadside assistance companies reporting a very high volume of callouts.
A Sharp Turn to Colder Conditions
As the rain begins to subside, a new weather challenge is on the horizon. The Met Office has warned that the downpours will be quickly replaced by a sharp cold snap starting from Sunday and continuing into next week.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained, "Overnight Saturday and throughout Sunday, we will start to see winds changing to be a bit more northerly, introducing a lot of Arctic air." She added that while it will turn brighter, "it's going to be feeling much colder," with the potential for snow and sleet on north-facing coasts and hills.
Official Health Warning Issued
In response to the forecasted plunge in temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has taken the step of issuing a cold weather alert. This alert is active from 8am on Monday, November 17th, until 8am on Friday, November 21st.
The warning covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber, urging residents in these regions to prepare for the sustained period of cold weather. The clear message from forecasters is that while the stormy conditions are receding, a significant and noticeable chill is set to grip the nation.
