Britain is facing significant disruption from Storm Claudia, which is forecast to bring a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours. The storm is expected to cause fast-flowing and deep floodwater, posing a danger to life in some areas. The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for heavy rain across parts of Wales and the Midlands, with 60 to 80mm of rainfall expected widely and potentially up to 150mm in higher ground areas. Yellow warnings for rain and wind are also in effect for various regions of England and Wales.
The ground across Britain is already saturated from recent above-average rainfall, exacerbating the risk of flooding. In addition to heavy rain, strong winds of 60 to 70mph are anticipated in exposed locations, particularly in north-west England and north-west Wales. Power cuts are also a possibility for some of the worst-affected areas.
The severe weather has already led to widespread travel chaos. Rail services have been significantly impacted, with numerous cancellations and warnings for passengers to only travel if essential. Companies like Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, and Avanti West Coast are cancelling or reducing services. In Devon, a key rail line has been closed due to flooding until at least Sunday. The environmental agency has issued over 100 flood alerts and three flood warnings across England. Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish meteorological service, is expected to intensify into Saturday morning.
