Residents and business owners across parts of the UK have begun the immense task of cleaning up after Storm Claudia unleashed widespread flooding and destructive winds, with forecasters now warning of a severe cold snap to follow.
Community Spirit Amid the Chaos
In the Welsh town of Monmouth, which was evacuated during the peak of the flooding on Saturday, locals returned on Sunday to confront the damage. Shocking images emerged of shops filled with mud and debris, with residents pitching in to help move furniture and clear out the mess.
The community effort was in full swing as people wearing wellies worked together to salvage what they could from affected businesses. One photograph shows a man carrying two heavy bags of mud and mess from a flooded shop, illustrating the scale of the clean-up operation.
From Floods to a Deep Freeze
As the clean-up gets underway, the UK's weather woes are far from over. The Met Office has confirmed that the country recorded its coldest night since March, with temperatures plunging to -7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday night.
A significant drop in temperatures is expected, with top figures falling to around 11C on Sunday and turning even colder for the start of the week. The forecast warns of potential snow and ice following a period of above-average temperatures, adding a new layer of difficulty for those dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
A Path of Destruction Across the UK
The impact of Storm Claudia was felt beyond Wales. In the village of Pontrilas, Herefordshire, a home was surrounded by murky flood waters after the River Dulas Brook burst its banks. In Great Manchester, an uprooted tree fell onto three cars, blocking a road and leaving drivers stranded.
Back in Monmouth, the scale of damage to commerce was clear. The town's Marks & Spencer store was seen with smashed doors, while the manager of TG Jones, Helen Williams, was photographed standing amidst ruined merchandise.
The nation now faces a dual challenge: recovering from the immediate damage left by the storm while bracing for a sharp and potentially hazardous drop in temperature.
