Storm Claudia is unleashing torrential rain and powerful winds across the West Midlands, prompting the Met Office to issue a series of severe weather warnings. Residents are facing a day of disruption as the storm, initially named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, sweeps across the region.
24-Hour Yellow Warning in Force
The Met Office has enacted a 24-hour yellow rain warning for eight areas, effective from 6am on Friday, November 14, until 6am on Saturday, November 15. Weather experts are forecasting persistent and heavy rain, driven by strong easterly winds, which is likely to lead to significant surface water and river flooding.
Accumulations of 30-50 mm are expected widely, with some locations potentially receiving 60-80 mm. The most affected areas, particularly east-facing hills in southeast Wales, could see in excess of 100 mm of rainfall. This follows a period of recent wet weather, saturating the ground and increasing the flood risk.
Amber Alert and Potential Dangers
In addition to the widespread yellow warning, a more severe amber weather alert is in place for six areas of the West Midlands from 12pm on Friday until 12am midnight. The Met Office has outlined a serious set of potential impacts for residents and travellers.
These include:
- Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads.
- Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings.
- Possible power cuts and loss of other services.
- Danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater.
- Difficult driving conditions, road closures, and delays or cancellations to bus and train services.
Areas Affected and Ongoing Warnings
The full list of areas under the yellow rain warning on Friday includes:
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Telford and Wrekin
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands Conurbation
- Worcestershire
The unsettled weather is set to continue, with a separate yellow rain warning already issued for the following period, from 6am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, November 16. The public is advised to stay updated with the latest Met Office advice and avoid unnecessary travel.
