Weather warnings in force as Storm Claudia brings heavy rain to UK

The Met Office’s yellow warnings for “persistent and heavy” rain remain in force as Storm Claudia continues to move across the UK.

wider yellow severe weather warning It will be valid in most of England and Wales until 06:00 GMT on Saturday. This follows recent rain and flooding affecting many areas such as South Wales last week.

Travelers have been asked to travel with caution as rain is expected for a month in some parts of England and Wales.

There are disruptions on several train lines, while the National Railways is warning delays and cancellations are expected over the weekend. The Environment Agency said ongoing flooding would continue.

Yellow warnings for rain-soaked parts of Wales midlandsRain came into force in the south-west, south-east, east and parts of northern England on Friday, with heavy rainfall expected on Saturday.

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.”

Strong easterly winds and thunderstorms are expected in parts of England later on Friday.

Up to 150mm (about 6in) of rain is expected to fall on higher ground in parts of south-east Wales, where a yellow warning remains in place by the end of Friday.

The average rainfall for the whole of November in central England and south Wales is between 60-100 mm (3-4 inches).

East Wales, the Midlands, up to south Yorkshire and eastern England are also under a yellow warning.

Around 40-60 mm (1.6-3 inches) of rain is likely to fall, with some places seeing up to 80 mm (3.2 inches).

Flood defenses have been put in place in Bewdley in Wales and emergency services in Shrewsbury will follow suit on Saturday.

Avanti West Coast services, Chiltern Railways services and various CrossCountry services across the UK will also be disrupted towards the weekend, providers said.

Rail passengers have been warned to check before traveling due to the risk of flooding on tracks and strong winds damaging trees and overhead power lines. Speed ​​restrictions may also be imposed.

The AA advised against traveling in “dangerous weather”, saying: “Safety comes first. Conditions can change quickly, so stay up to date and make sure you are prepared before you travel.”

The statement said: “Floodwater can emerge quickly and even shallow water can be dangerous; never attempt to wade through.”

The RAC is urging motorists to take amber weather warnings for Storm Claudia “extremely seriously”.

The British Red Cross said it was keeping emergency response teams on standby to help communities most at risk.

Officials said they would inspect the circuit at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, on Saturday morning ahead of the planned seven-race Paddy Power Gold Cup card.

In Birmingham, the Jewelery Quarter Christmas Light Switch was canceled “due to health and safety concerns” following an Amber alert on Friday.

A tree fell on three cars on Manchester Road in Macclesfield, Cheshire. No one was injured.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “With heavy rainfall forecast for parts of the country, I know people will be concerned about the risk to their homes and livelihoods.”

He added that he was in regular contact with the Environment Agency “about their response to expected flooding, as well as local authorities and emergency services who are already taking action to keep communities safe”.

In Ireland, Met Eireann has an “orange status” rain warning for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow, while a yellow warning is in place for other eastern counties and much of the south.

Meanwhile, a yellow cold health warning has been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) for next week for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber.

Valid from 08:00 on Monday until 08:00 on Friday.

Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), has already brought heavy rain and strong winds to Spain and Portugal.

The storm comes as the Environment Agency warns Britain will experience widespread drought next year without a wet winter.

The country received only 83% of the average rainfall from January to October and experienced the driest spring in 132 years and the hottest summer in history.

It was stated that the situation was “precarious” despite the recent rains.