ALERT: Storm Claudia on the way and set to batter parts of the South-West

The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for much of England and Wales as Storm Claudia is expected to bring very heavy rain and possible flooding on Friday 14 November and into Saturday.

Although the centre of the storm will stay to the west of the UK, the fronts linked to Claudia are forecast to bring a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours to parts of southern and central  England and Wales, including areas of Devon and Dartmoor, which have already been saturated from recent downpours.

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Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said:

“Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. 

“Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding and contributing to the Amber warnings we have issued.”

Up to 150 mm of rain could fall in the worst-hit places, with 60-80 mm likely more widely. 

The Met Office says gusty winds may also affect parts of the south-west, with 60-70 mph gusts possible in exposed areas.

Local impact

The Environment Agency has warned that surface-water flooding and river flooding are both possible across Devon. Teams are clearing debris from watercourses and preparing to operate flood defences if needed.

Ben Lukey, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

“Storm Claudia will bring heavy, prolonged rainfall across parts of England, with significant surface-water flooding probable across parts of central England on Friday, while significant river flooding impacts are also possible tomorrow and into Saturday.

“We urge people not to drive through flood water, it is often deeper than it looks and just 30 cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”

Residents across Dartmoor towns such as Okehampton, Tavistock, and Ashburton are being advised to check local flood alerts, prepare emergency kits, and avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period.

What to do

• Do not drive or walk through floodwater.
• Check your flood risk using the government’s online flood checker.
• Prepare a flood plan and emergency supplies including documents, medication, food, torches and warm clothing.
• Check on neighbours who may need help, especially older or vulnerable people.

Looking forward

The Met Office says conditions will turn colder over the weekend, with overnight frost and a chance of the first snow on northern hills early next week. 

For Devon, rain should ease by Saturday night, leaving a drier, colder spell into Sunday and Monday.

To stay up to date, check the Met Office website, local radio, or @EnvAgency on social media for the latest flood and travel information.