Emergency services have declared a major incident across parts of the UK as Storm Claudia continues to unleash severe flooding and dangerous weather conditions.
Emergency Response Activated
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared the major incident in the early hours of Saturday morning after confronting what they described as "severe and widespread" flooding affecting towns and surrounding communities. Crews are working alongside multiple emergency services including Gwent Police, ambulance teams, mountain rescue, and the coastguard to conduct welfare checks, evacuations, and rescue operations.
Matt Jones, Area Manager for the fire service, highlighted the challenging conditions emergency teams face. "This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected," he stated. Jones specifically urged the public to avoid the Monmouth area completely where possible to allow emergency vehicles clear access to those most in need.
Weather Warnings and Flood Alerts
As of 6am Saturday, Natural Resources Wales had issued four severe flood warnings, indicating a "significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected." A yellow weather warning for rain covering central and northern England, the south-west and Wales expired at 6am, but the aftermath continues to cause substantial disruption.
In Northern Ireland, a yellow-level rain warning remained in place for counties Armagh and Down until noon on Saturday, bringing continued risks of flooding and hazardous travel conditions. Meanwhile, Ireland experienced power outages affecting numerous businesses and homes, with status orange and yellow rain warnings covering multiple counties along the east and south coasts.
Transport Disruption and Cold Weather Alert
The storm's impact has extended across the UK's transport networks. National Rail has advised travellers to check services before journeying, with disruption expected to continue until Saturday. Road conditions remain hazardous, as evidenced by motorists navigating through heavy rain and spray on the M11 near Harlow in Essex.
Looking ahead, Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick warned of a significant temperature drop. "Overnight Saturday and throughout Sunday, we will start to see winds changing to be a bit more northerly, introducing a lot of Arctic air," she explained. "It will be turning much colder - people are really going to notice a chill into Sunday."
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning for parts of the Midlands and northern England from Monday onward. While conditions are expected to become less stormy, the combination of clearing clouds and Arctic air will create a noticeable chill across many regions.
Emergency services continue to urge anyone in immediate danger or requiring urgent assistance to call 999 immediately.
