The West Midlands is on high alert as the Met Office issues an amber weather warning for Storm Claudia, which is set to bring disruptive conditions to the region.
When and Where the Storm Will Hit
The amber warning is now in force and will run from midday this Friday, 14 November, until 11:59pm. The alert covers much of Birmingham and the West Midlands, extending to parts of east Wales and eastern England.
Residents should brace for persistent and heavy rain, with most areas expected to see between 40-60 mm of rainfall. Some locations could experience deluges of up to around 80 mm.
Risks and Official Safety Advice
The situation could be worsened by strong easterly winds and potential thunderstorms during Friday afternoon and evening, increasing the risk of localised flooding.
The Met Office has issued crucial advice for residents to prepare:
- Check if your property is at risk from flooding
- Review the specific flood advice for your local area
- Prepare a flood kit with essential items
- Avoid driving through flood water
Community Impact and Preparedness
The warning comes after locals in areas like Bartley Green in Birmingham were already seen navigating flooded pavements on Wednesday, 12 November, indicating the ground is already saturated.
With the amber weather warning indicating a potential danger to life and property, authorities are urging the public to take the threat from Storm Claudia seriously and make necessary preparations immediately.
