Emergency services in Wales have been engaged in a major rescue operation, evacuating residents from their homes after Storm Claudia triggered severe flooding. The town of Monmouth in south-east Wales was particularly hard-hit, with a major incident declared following torrential rain on Friday.
Record River Levels and Widespread Impact
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported that river levels on the Monnow reached a record high, surpassing those seen during both Storm Dennis in 2020 and Storm Bert last year. The agency had four severe flood warnings in place on Sunday morning, indicating a danger to life. In England, the Environment Agency issued 41 flood warnings.
The Welsh government confirmed that the "significant flooding" affected homes, businesses, transport, and energy infrastructure in parts of the country. Across the border, the Environment Agency reported that approximately 20 properties in England, including some in Cumbria, had been flooded due to the storm.
From Floods to Freeze: A Sharp Weather Turn
As the clean-up from Storm Claudia continues, forecasters are warning of a dramatic shift in the UK's weather. The storm's retreat is making way for a cold snap, with temperatures plunging to freezing and the potential for snow and ice.
According to the Met Office, Saturday night was the coldest since 20 March, with temperatures dropping to -7C in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland. A northerly Arctic flow is expected to bring a marked change from the recent above-average November temperatures.
Dan Holley, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: "This will bring much colder conditions than of late... There will be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice. There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7C in places next week." He also highlighted that a brisk northerly wind would create a significant wind chill effect.
Health and Safety Warnings Issued
In response to the forecast, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert for parts of the Midlands and northern England, effective from 8am on Monday until 8am next Friday. The alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has cautioned that flooding impacts are likely to persist throughout the weekend as the country braces for this sudden and severe drop in temperature.
