Storm Claudia to hit Exeter with heavy rain and flooding risk

Exeter is preparing for a wet and unsettled end to the week as Storm Claudia sweeps across the South West, bringing heavy rain, flooding risks, and travel disruption from Friday morning into early Saturday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for Exeter from 6am Friday to 6am Saturday, warning that the city could see 30 to 50 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours. The downpours, combined with already saturated ground, could lead to surface water and river flooding as well as challenging driving conditions across Devon.

While Exeter is not expected to experience the storm’s strongest winds, gusts of 25–30mph are forecast through Friday, with higher speeds possible around Dartmoor.

A Met Office spokesperson told Exeter Today: “Storm Claudia is expected to bring heavy rain during Friday into early Saturday that may lead to some flooding, disruption and challenging driving conditions.”

“Accumulations of 30–50 mm are expected in the Exeter region. This, following recent wet weather, is likely to lead to surface water and river flooding impacts.”

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Residents are being urged to check whether their properties are at risk of flooding and to prepare flood plans and emergency kits in advance. The Met Office also advises checking road conditions and transport updates before travelling, with some local delays possible.

Driving experts are also warning motorists to take extra care on Devon’s roads. Richard Evans, Head of Technical Services at webuyanycar, said wet weather can dramatically affect driving safety: “Driving in wet conditions can cause a huge impact on our vehicles, our research shows almost a third of drivers (32 per cent) have witnessed a road accident because of bad weather, with 7 per cent having been in one themselves.”

Richard urged drivers to keep greater stopping distances, watch for spray from larger vehicles, and carry essentials such as a torch and high-visibility clothing in case of an emergency.

Residents are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest Met Office alerts and local council updates as Storm Claudia moves across Devon, with conditions expected to ease by Saturday morning.