UK flood alerts mapped as Storm Claudia brings ‘month’s worth of rain in 24 hours’

More than 100 flood alerts have been issued across England as Storm Claudia brings heavy rain across the country, with the South West, Midlands and North particularly affected

Homeowners throughout the North West have been urged to stay alert as flood warnings are issued today (Friday).

Over 100 flood alerts have been put in place across England as Storm Claudia unleashes torrential downpours nationwide, with the South West, Midlands and North bearing the brunt of the impact.

Three flood warnings are currently active – one affecting Keswick and two covering Carlisle.

The Environment Agency issues flood warnings when flooding is anticipated and immediate action is needed, whilst alerts indicate flooding is possible and residents should make preparations.

The nation has been battered by relentless rainfall throughout the past week, with the consequences now becoming apparent, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Storm Claudia has prompted the Met Office to issue Amber warnings for southern and central regions of England and Wales.

Broader yellow warnings have also been declared for rain and wind, marking what promises to be an exceptionally wet day for England and Wales.

You can check all flood alerts in your area using our interactive map.

Rainfall will steadily advance northward through the warning zones on Friday and continue into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert warned: “Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. This rain will become slow moving, and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.

“Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding and contributing to the Amber warnings we have issued. Within the Amber warning areas, some could see in excess of 150mm accumulate during the event, with 60-80mm fairly widely. Gusty winds in the northwest of England and northwest Wales is an additional hazard, with 60-70mph gusts possible in exposed places within the warning area.”

The warnings point to probable travel chaos, potential power outages and flooding for some areas. Unlike many named storms, Claudia won’t pass directly over the UK, though it’s behind the torrential rain hitting on Friday and continuing into Saturday.

The weather system will largely hold its position west of the UK, with the related fronts weakening throughout Saturday.

Alun Attwood, Duty Tactical Manager Wales at Natural Resources Wales said: “The amber and yellow rain warnings in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday are expected to bring significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see many flood alerts and warnings issued as a result of Storm Claudia.

“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now.”

Ben Lukey, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Minor surface water and river flooding impacts are ongoing across the north of England today. 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.

“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground to clear any debris from watercourses and preparing to operate flood defences when needed. Working closely with local authorities, we are ensuring all emergency responders are aware of local flood risks and fully prepared for the arrival of Storm Claudia.

“We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car. They also should search ‘check my flood risk’, get free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation at @EnvAgency on X.”

Come the weekend, northern parts of the UK will find themselves gripped by a much colder air mass, bringing overnight frosts, and whilst scattered showers will persist, conditions will generally become considerably drier and brighter across these regions.

Further south, the weekend will begin with predominantly overcast and wet conditions, remaining mild in the far south, though the rainfall will gradually diminish and eventually retreat southwards, with the drier, colder weather from the north spreading to all areas by early next week.