Storm Claudia LIVE: Met Office issues ‘danger to life’ alerts as UK to be battered by rain | Weather | News

The Met Office has issued rare amber weather warnings for parts of the UK as Storm Claudia rears its ugly head across the country. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, is expected to spread across much of England and Wales on Friday as part of additional yellow warnings issued for the weekend. In an amber alert, the forecaster warned that fast-flowing or deep floodwaters could pose a “life hazard”.

Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), has already brought heavy rain and strong winds to Spain and Portugal. On Friday, storm rainfall is expected to move rapidly northwards into England and Wales, where it will stall and remain persistent for most of the day.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to much 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 rainfall in 24 hours. The majority of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the likelihood of flooding and contributing to the Amber warnings we have issued. Amber warning areas may see depths in excess of 150mm, some in excess of 150mm. During the event, the north-west of England and Gusty winds of 60-80mm pose an additional danger in north-west Wales, with gusts of 60-70mph possible in open areas within the warning area.

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