The West Midlands is preparing for a severe battering from Storm Claudia, with weather maps predicting an intense three-hour deluge set to hit the region this afternoon.
Weather Warnings in Force
The Met Office has issued both amber and yellow weather alerts for rain across the West Midlands, effective from today, November 14. The amber warning, covering Birmingham and sections of the Black Country, commenced at 12pm and remains active until 11.59pm tonight. Meanwhile, a broader yellow warning for rain enveloped the rest of the region from 6am this morning and will persist until 6am on Saturday, November 15.
Peak Rainfall Intensity
According to detailed forecasts from WX Charts, the period of most intense rainfall is expected around 3pm. Weather maps display a dramatic shift to orange, indicating heavy precipitation. Eastern Birmingham, Solihull, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire are forecast to bear the brunt, with a staggering 10.4mm of rain falling per hour.
Simultaneously, parts of the Black Country and South Staffordshire will experience a smaller patch of intense orange on the maps, corresponding to rainfall rates of 7.5mm per hour. Shropshire is also under a significant band of heavy rain, with some areas expected to see peaks of 13.3mm per hour at 3pm.
Duration and Potential Impact
The severe weather is not fleeting. The ominous orange band signifying heavy rainfall is projected to remain over Birmingham at 6pm, maintaining the intense downpour at 10.4mm per hour before gradually easing through the evening. The Met Office has explicitly warned residents to prepare for potential consequences, including flooding and significant travel disruption brought on by Storm Claudia's arrival.
With the amber warning indicating a potential danger to life and property, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm.