Storm Claudia to batter Britain with up to six inches of rain falling in just 12 hours – as Met Office issues amber weather warning

Storm Claudia will hit the UK with up to 15cm of rain in just 12 hours over the coming days, amid fears of flooding and 70mph winds.

The Met Office has issued two ‘life-threatening’ amber warnings for rain across central England and parts of south Wales from 12pm until midnight tomorrow.

A wider and longer yellow rain warning has also been in place for much of southern England and the Midlands, in effect from 6am tomorrow until 6am on Saturday.

Two yellow wind warnings will also cover parts of North West England and North West Wales, both in effect from 12pm until midnight tomorrow.

The storm, named in Spain and currently affecting western Iberia and the Canary Islands, will bring prolonged heavy rain and strong easterly winds to the UK.

South Wales is expected to see the heaviest rainfall; 50 mm to 75 mm (3 inches) is commonly expected in the amber warning area, with 100 mm (4 inches) to 150 mm (6 inches) expected over some higher ground.

Between 40mm (1.6in) and 60mm (2.4in) of rain is expected to fall in the central England region under an Amber alert. Parts of the higher elevations of the East Midlands, Western England and Wales in the same region could see around 80 mm (3.1 in).

Forecasters said strong easterly winds could create any disruption to travel, with winds reaching 50 to 60 mph expected in the afternoon and evening.

The Met Office has issued a warning that storm Claudia will hit the UK with heavy rain and strong winds on Friday.

A bridge over flooded fields at Axminster in Devon yesterday after the River Ax burst its banks

Storm Claudia, named by Spain’s meteorological service, will affect the UK tomorrow with heavy rain

Speeds up to 70 miles per hour are possible on some exposed hills and coastal points; Thunderstorms are expected tomorrow afternoon and later in the evening.

The amber warning for the central counties of England reads: ‘fast flowing or deep floodwaters are likely, which could be life-threatening’, and ‘homes and businesses will be flooded, which will damage some buildings’.

It also warns of ‘rain and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures’ and ‘a good chance some communities will be cut off due to flooded roads’.

In addition, the warning states that ‘delays and some cancellations of train and bus services are possible’, ‘power outages and disruption of other services in some homes and workplaces are also possible’.

The yellow warning for Wales is similar but also says: ‘Loss of power and other essential services such as gas, water or mobile phone services are possible.’

The Environment Agency has warned that localized flooding from rivers and surface water is possible.

Around 20 flood alerts and 35 flood alerts have been issued across England.

Natural Resources Wales has issued eight flood warnings, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has activated two flood alerts and seven flood warnings.

Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: ‘Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to large areas of central and southern England and Wales from Friday to Saturday.

‘This rain will move slowly and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.

Storm Claudia is currently affecting western Iberia and the Canary Islands, the Met Office says

Rainfall totals from today to Saturday may exceed 100 mm (4 inches) in some places

‘Most of these will fall on saturated ground, increasing the likelihood of flooding and contributing to the yellow warnings we have issued.’

Forecasters added that unlike many storms, Claudia will not pass directly over the UK, but will be responsible for heavy rain from tomorrow.

The system is expected to maintain its position largely in the west of Britain, although the relevant fronts will weaken by Saturday.

By the weekend, the north of the UK will be under a colder airmass with overnight frosts and the weather will be drier and brighter despite further showers.

The weekend will start largely cloudy and rainy in the south, while the far southern parts will still be mild. Rain will gradually taper off and eventually clear towards the south, while drier and colder conditions further north will affect all areas from the beginning of next week.

The AA has urged drivers to be more careful when warnings are in force and roadside patrolman of the year Shaun Jones said: ‘Safety comes first.

‘Reduce your speed, keep your distance and avoid flooded roads altogether. Conditions can change rapidly; so stay up to date and make sure you are prepared before you travel.

Large waves hit Carcavelos Beach in Portugal as Storm Claudia hits Western Iberia today

‘Flood water can occur quickly and even shallow water can be dangerous; Never try to go through it. Follow local traffic updates and adjust your speed according to conditions. If your car starts to drift in the water, slowly release the accelerator pedal to regain control.’

Temperatures will be noticeably cooler across the UK by next week, particularly in the North and East.

RAC breakdown spokeswoman Alice Simpson said: ‘We urge motorists to take yellow weather warnings regarding Storm Claudia extremely seriously as these warnings indicate that roads are likely to be flooded and therefore pose a risk to life.

‘Motorists may consider postponing their journeys until the worst effects are over, particularly in the hardest-hit areas this weekend.’

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has urged the public to take extra precautions ahead of Storm Claudia.

Steve Cole, the charity’s policy director, said: ‘Storm Claudia isn’t just a risk in the great outdoors; Homes can also be vulnerable.

‘Secure garden furniture, bins and anything else that could fly away or cause damage. When indoors, make sure windows and doors are tightly closed and have an emergency kit ready.

‘Your normal journey on the roads can be difficult. Rain doubles stopping distance and aquaplaning can occur within seconds. Slow down, keep your distance and never attempt to drive through floodwater. ‘These simple steps can help you protect your home, your journey and keep your communities safe.’