Storm Claudia unleashed chaos across the UK on Friday, November 14, 2025, with powerful winds and torrential rain causing significant damage, from collapsed trees crushing properties to widespread transport disruption.
Property Damage and Evacuations
The ferocity of the storm was starkly illustrated in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where a massive tree was uprooted and crashed onto a bungalow on Lynmouth Avenue. Images show the tree completely covering the roof of the property, causing severe structural damage.
Meanwhile, in Bollington, Cheshire, the situation was equally dire. Residents were forced to evacuate their homes after another fallen tree struck properties and brought down live power lines, creating a dangerous situation for the local community.
Transport and Infrastructure Havoc
The storm's impact crippled parts of the region's transport network. Fallen trees blocked railway lines, leading to major disruptions for both national rail services and Manchester's Metrolink trams, causing commuter chaos throughout the day.
In a move highlighting the severity of the conditions, Lapland Manchester was forced to close, with its management citing the high winds and severe weather forecast as an unacceptable safety risk to the public.
Official Warnings and Flooding Threats
The Met Office had issued an Amber "danger to life" flood warning for Wales, Yorkshire, and Humber as Storm Claudia approached. This warning area was later expanded northwards to include the East Midlands and Lincolnshire.
The National Weather Agency warned that the storm, initially named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, would bring persistent and heavy rain, with 40-60 mm of rainfall expected widely and some areas potentially seeing up to 80 mm.
On a local level, the Environment Agency issued three flood alerts for the Greater Manchester region. These are in place for:
- The River Mersey near Tameside.
- Areas including Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham, and Urmston.
- The River Bollin catchment, covering Knutsford, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, and Bollington.
Flooding is considered possible in these areas, particularly affecting low-lying land and roads surrounding various rivers and brooks.
What's Next for the Weather?
Forecasters predict that the worst of Storm Claudia will ease overnight. However, more rain is forecast for Greater Manchester on Saturday, though the damaging winds are expected to be less severe. The clean-up operation for the damaged properties and infrastructure is now underway.
