The UK is on high alert as Storm Claudia sweeps across the country, triggering an amber weather warning for heavy rain and significant flooding risks. The Met Office has issued urgent alerts for widespread travel disruption, potential power cuts, and dangerous conditions from Friday, 14th November 2025.
Immediate Hazards and Warnings in Effect
An amber warning for rain is active from noon until the end of the day, covering parts of Wales, the Midlands, the South West, South East, and East of England. The Environment Agency has already issued three flood warnings, including for Keswick Campsite in the Lake District and two sites on the River Eden in Carlisle.
According to the Met Office, some regions could see up to 150mm (6 inches) of rain within 24 hours – potentially a month's worth of rainfall. The Sky Weather team notes that while southern Britain may see 30-50mm widely, east-facing hills in southeast Wales are particularly at risk.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert stated: "Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. This rain will become slow-moving, and some areas could see up to a month's worth of rain in 24 hours."
Travel Disruption and Safety Advice
The AA has issued a stark 'do not travel' warning for areas under the amber alert, emphasising that "safety comes first" in the hazardous conditions. They advised drivers to stay updated on forecasts and to never attempt driving through floodwater, which can appear rapidly and be dangerously deceptive even at shallow depths.
Floods minister Emma Hardy addressed public concerns, stating: "I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the expected flooding who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe."
Beyond the rainfall, strong easterly winds are expected to develop, with gusts potentially reaching 70mph in northwest Wales and northwest England, adding to the dangerous conditions.
International Impact and Weekend Forecast
Storm Claudia, named by Spain's meteorological service, has already caused severe damage abroad. In Portugal, an elderly couple died inside their flooded house in Fernao Ferro, near Lisbon. Nearly 14,000 people were left without electricity as half of Portugal faced red and orange weather warnings on Thursday.
Spain and the Canary Islands are also experiencing the storm's effects, with various weather warnings in place. Meanwhile, Ireland's Met Eireann has issued warnings for significant rainfall in the southeast into the weekend.
Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts a colder weekend for northern UK, with overnight frosts and drier, brighter conditions gradually spreading south. Early next week will see temperatures drop sharply across the country, potentially bringing the first snow of the season to northern and eastern areas.
