Storm Claudia Spurs Flooding in Wales and Precedes Arctic-Driven Snow Blast
Major incident declared in Monmouth as heavy rainfall triggers floods ahead of sub-zero UK cold snap
Severe flooding in Monmouth, Wales, prompted the declaration of a major incident after Storm Claudia unleashed torrential rain which caused the River Monnow to burst its banks.
Rescuers evacuated residents to safety, and crews responded to more than eighty flood-related incidents, while approximately 685 homes lost power in the region.
Natural Resources Wales recorded around 119.6 mm of rain in just twelve hours at Tafalog in Gwent, and 80.6 mm at Suckley in Worcestershire, underscoring the scale of the deluge.
Meanwhile, ferocious winds were recorded elsewhere — 63 mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd and 68 mph at Warcop Range in Cumbria — adding to the disruption.
Four severe flood warnings (denoting “danger to life”) remain active across south-east Wales, while in England nearly fifty flood warnings and over one hundred flood alerts are in force.
The clear-up operation is well under way, yet officials warn the risk remains as saturated soils and swollen rivers persist.
In the wake of the storm, the Met Office forecasts a sharp turn to colder weather: a cold northerly airmass from the Arctic is set to sweep across the United Kingdom, driving widespread frosts, single-digit daytime temperatures and lows down to minus seven degrees Celsius in some locations.
Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley warned that while precipitation will ease, “wintry hazards such as snow and ice” may follow.
Transportation networks are already under strain — rail services face cancellations and delays due to flooding and wind-damage, while drivers are being urged to avoid affected roads.
One family in Monmouth described being forced to cling to a tree after their car became submerged, and local authorities have asked motorists to keep clear of the town centre to allow emergency services uninterrupted access.
Across the Irish Sea in the Algarve region of Portugal, Storm Claudia also inflicted deadly damage: an 85-year-old British tourist died and others were seriously injured when extreme winds struck a campsite in Albufeira, as the storm swept through Spain and Portugal earlier in its course.
As the clearance efforts continue, residents are being asked to heed flood warnings, avoid walking or driving through flood-waters and remain alert to evolving conditions as the cold air sets in and winter conditions take hold.
Rescuers evacuated residents to safety, and crews responded to more than eighty flood-related incidents, while approximately 685 homes lost power in the region.
Natural Resources Wales recorded around 119.6 mm of rain in just twelve hours at Tafalog in Gwent, and 80.6 mm at Suckley in Worcestershire, underscoring the scale of the deluge.
Meanwhile, ferocious winds were recorded elsewhere — 63 mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd and 68 mph at Warcop Range in Cumbria — adding to the disruption.
Four severe flood warnings (denoting “danger to life”) remain active across south-east Wales, while in England nearly fifty flood warnings and over one hundred flood alerts are in force.
The clear-up operation is well under way, yet officials warn the risk remains as saturated soils and swollen rivers persist.
In the wake of the storm, the Met Office forecasts a sharp turn to colder weather: a cold northerly airmass from the Arctic is set to sweep across the United Kingdom, driving widespread frosts, single-digit daytime temperatures and lows down to minus seven degrees Celsius in some locations.
Deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley warned that while precipitation will ease, “wintry hazards such as snow and ice” may follow.
Transportation networks are already under strain — rail services face cancellations and delays due to flooding and wind-damage, while drivers are being urged to avoid affected roads.
One family in Monmouth described being forced to cling to a tree after their car became submerged, and local authorities have asked motorists to keep clear of the town centre to allow emergency services uninterrupted access.
Across the Irish Sea in the Algarve region of Portugal, Storm Claudia also inflicted deadly damage: an 85-year-old British tourist died and others were seriously injured when extreme winds struck a campsite in Albufeira, as the storm swept through Spain and Portugal earlier in its course.
As the clearance efforts continue, residents are being asked to heed flood warnings, avoid walking or driving through flood-waters and remain alert to evolving conditions as the cold air sets in and winter conditions take hold.
