The West Midlands is facing a severe weather event as Storm Claudia sweeps across the region, with Birmingham at the centre of an amber weather warning for rain.
Amber Warning and Flooding Risk
The Met Office has issued a significant 12-hour amber warning for rain, which is in effect from midday today, Friday, November 14, until midnight. This alert warns of a serious risk of flooding and extremely challenging driving conditions for residents and commuters.
A separate, less severe yellow warning for rain will also remain active until 6am on Saturday, November 15. The persistent and heavy downpours are expected to bring widespread rainfall totals of 30-50mm, with some areas seeing 60-80mm. The most severe accumulations, potentially over 100mm, are forecast for east-facing hills in southeast Wales.
Weather Forecast and Travel Disruption
According to the Met Office forecast for the West Midlands, the rain will be "persistent and heavy for all" throughout today, only slowly easing by Saturday morning. The conditions will be accompanied by strong winds, with gales possible over higher ground. Temperatures will feel cold, with a maximum of 10°C.
Key transport authorities have echoed the warnings. Both West Midlands Roads and Transport for West Midlands posted alerts on social media platform X, stating: "Expect flooding and difficult driving conditions." They urged the public to take the warnings seriously.
The outlook for the weekend suggests a change, with brighter but notably colder conditions expected from Sunday, bringing a chance of overnight frosts.