The Met Office is warning that Storm Claudia could bring up to a month’s worth in rain in just one day as the UK is being slammed with heavy downpours.
Amber warning are in place for “persistent and heavy” rain from midday on Friday until midnight for parts of Wales, the south west and south east of England.
The Met Office warning says that in England some areas could see 80mm of rain, in Wales between 100 to 150mm on high ground and between 50-75mm across the region.
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.
“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.”
Floods minister Emma Hardy said: “As parts of the country are forecast to experience heavy rainfall, I recognise people will be concerned about the risk to their homes and livelihoods.
“I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the expected flooding who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.”
The AA is warning driver not to travel in “hazardous weather”, they said, “Safety comes first. Conditions may change quickly, so stay updated and make sure you’re prepared before you travel.”
It added, “Flood water can appear quickly, and even shallow water can be dangerous – never try to drive through it.”
Flood duty manager Ben Lukey 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.
“River flooding impacts are also possible tomorrow and into Saturday.”
