Britain is facing severe travel disruption and widespread flooding as Storm Claudia batters the country with a month's worth of rainfall in just 24 hours and wind gusts reaching 70mph.
Danger to Life Warnings Issued
The Met Office has implemented two 12-hour amber warnings, indicating a genuine danger to life, across parts of central England and South Wales. These warnings remain active from noon until midnight, forecasting up to 6 inches (150mm) of relentless rainfall.
A broader yellow rain warning covers Wales, central and southern England including London, predicting up to 4 inches (100mm) of precipitation during a 24-hour period from 6am today until 6am tomorrow. Simultaneously, yellow wind warnings have been activated for North West Wales and North West England, where strong easterly winds and thunderstorms are expected.
Transport Network in Turmoil
National Rail has reported significant disruption across multiple routes. Flooding between Exeter and Barnstaple in Devon is affecting train services until Sunday, while emergency speed restrictions have been implemented in Scotland.
At least seven major train operators have been forced to run reduced services due to the hazardous conditions. The affected companies include: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Railway.
The AA has issued urgent advice to motorists, warning against travelling in what they describe as 'hazardous weather'. They emphasised that conditions could 'change quickly' as Storm Claudia moves upward into the UK from Spain.
Flooding Crisis Escalates
Environment agencies across Britain are on high alert, with the Environment Agency issuing 96 flood alerts and three more serious flood warnings across England. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has one warning and seven alerts active, while Natural Resources Wales has issued 21 alerts.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert explained the severity of the situation: '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.'
Within the amber warning areas, some locations could experience more than 150mm of accumulated rainfall, with 60-80mm expected across wide areas. The situation is exacerbated by gusty winds reaching 60-70mph in exposed parts of north-west England and north-west Wales.
Floods minister Emma Hardy stated: 'As parts of the country are forecast to experience heavy rainfall, I recognise people will be concerned about the risk to their homes and livelihoods. I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the expected flooding.'
Environment Agency flood duty manager Ben Lukey confirmed: 'Storm Claudia will bring heavy prolonged rainfall across parts of England, with significant surface water flooding probable across parts of central England on Friday. River flooding impacts are also possible tomorrow and into Saturday.'
Unlike many named storms, Storm Claudia - which was named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency - is not expected to directly cross the country but will maintain its position to the West, prolonging the adverse conditions.
