Storm Claudia is set to impact parts of England and Wales with torrential rain, prompting the Met Office to issue upgraded weather warnings. An amber warning for “persistent and heavy” rain will be in effect from noon on March 15, 2024, until the end of the day, covering regions including Wales, the Midlands, and the south-east of England.
Forecasts indicate that some areas in England could receive up to 80mm of rain, while higher ground in Wales may experience even greater accumulation, ranging from 100mm to 150mm. The Met Office warns that these downpours could be exacerbated by strong easterly winds and thunderstorms, particularly later on Friday.
Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency, has already affected Spain and Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds. A separate yellow warning for rain remains in place across much of England, from Cheshire and North Yorkshire down to the south coast. This yellow warning is active for a 24-hour period starting at 06:00 on March 15, alongside a wind warning that predicts gusts of up to 70 mph in some western areas of the UK.
The Met Office has cautioned that power cuts, travel disruptions, and potential damage to buildings are likely. Travellers are advised to exercise caution as central and southern England, along with Wales, brace for significant rainfall. According to Matthew Lehnert, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, the slow-moving rain could result in some areas receiving up to a month’s worth of rainfall within just 24 hours.
Lehnert noted, “Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding and contributing to the amber warnings we have issued. Within the amber warning areas, some could see in excess of 150mm accumulate during the event, with 60-80mm fairly widely.”
Wind conditions are also a concern, particularly in the north-west of England and north-west Wales, where gusts of 60-70 mph are possible in exposed areas. Unlike many other named storms, Claudia is not expected to traverse the country directly and will instead remain positioned in the west.
The Environment Agency has alerted the public to the potential for surface water and river flooding in northern England. They have been collaborating with emergency services and local authorities to ensure preparedness as the storm approaches. Flood duty manager Ben Lukey stated, “Storm Claudia will bring heavy prolonged rainfall across parts of England, with significant surface water flooding probable across parts of central England on Friday. River flooding impacts are also possible tomorrow and into Saturday.”
As the storm approaches, residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this weather event.
