Storm Claudia has caused extensive flooding, leading to scenes of submerged cars and overflowing bins.
The Met Office issued amber rain warnings for a large area spanning from central Wales to Lincolnshire, with alerts for potential life-threatening situations. Heavy rainfall affected many parts of England and Wales today, resulting in flooding in various regions.
Meteorologists from the Met Office warned of the likelihood of approximately 80mm of rain in the East Midlands and elevated areas in Wales. The impact of intense rain was evident in Birmingham, where residents documented the effects of the harsh weather on the city.
One video shared on social media depicted cars partially submerged in water in the Handsworth district of Birmingham. Several vehicles were visible with hazard lights flashing as the floodwater almost completely engulfed them.
Another video showed floodwater rushing between two houses and flooding an entire street in Ewas Harold, Hertfordshire. The footage captured the swift flow of water down the road, reaching the sides of the buildings.
A separate video posted by a Labour Councillor illustrated floodwater submerging a road in Birmingham, extending to cover a section of the pavement.
In a social media update, the Councillor stated: “Storm Claudia is causing heavy rainfall and localized flooding in parts of Birmingham, including Stratford Road. Our council teams are working tirelessly alongside emergency services to mitigate flood risks, clear drains, and ensure residents’ safety.
“I urge everyone to stay indoors if possible, avoid flooded roads, and exercise caution when traveling. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of our staff, emergency services, and volunteers in safeguarding our city during this severe weather event.”
Rebekah Hicks, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, commented: “Storm Claudia is currently causing heavy rainfall across parts of England and Wales. We have already recorded 81.8mm of rainfall, and the intense showers will persist into the evening before diminishing overnight.
“Affected areas can expect decreasing rainfall intensity through Saturday morning, leading to drier conditions by the afternoon and into Sunday. Despite this, there remains a risk of flooding, so individuals should stay informed about local flood alerts and take necessary precautions.”
Northern parts of Wales and northwest England experienced strong winds, with speeds reaching 61mph at Warcop Range in Cumbria and 58mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd. As Storm Claudia moves away from the UK, noticeable improvements are anticipated, including clearer skies and reduced precipitation.
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