Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish meteorological service, is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the UK on Friday, prompting an amber weather warning for parts of England and Wales. The Met Office has warned of potential flooding, power cuts, travel disruption, and danger to life from deep floodwater.
The amber warning is in effect from noon until midnight, covering Wales, the Midlands, south-west, south-east, and east of England. Some areas could see up to 8cm of rain, with localised totals exceeding 150mm. A separate yellow warning for rain covers much of England from 6am Friday for 24 hours, while a wind warning for gusts up to 70mph applies to western areas from noon until midnight.
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. Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding.”
The Environment Agency has warned of significant surface water flooding, particularly in central England, and river flooding impacts possible into Saturday. Flood duty manager Ben Lukey said teams are clearing debris and preparing to operate flood defences. The AA has advised against travel in hazardous conditions, urging drivers never to attempt driving through flood water.
In contrast, northern parts of the UK are expected to see colder weather with overnight frosts from Friday to Sunday.
