Warning: Amber
To expect: Rain
Affected area: Wales
Start time estimate: Friday noon
End time estimate: Friday 11pm
Storm Claudia prompts the Met Office to issue an updated Amber rain warning for Wales for Friday.
Heavy showers are anticipated to hit Wales, approaching the area on Friday at around noon and lasting until 11pm.
The updated Amber warning for rain was announced at 10:33am on Thursday, November 13.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Claudia, previously named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, will bring rain that will become persistent and heavy during Friday, especially during the afternoon. 50-75 mm of rain is expected widely across this region with some higher ground likely seeing 100-150 mm. Impacts may be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, as well as thunderstorms later Friday afternoon and evening.”
What to expect
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life; Extensive flooding to homes and businesses is likely, which could lead to collapsed or damaged buildings or structures; Road closures and bus and train service delays and cancellations likely; Dangerous driving conditions because of spray and flooded roads; Power and other essential services, such as gas, water or mobile phone service, will probably be lost; There is a good chance communities in flooded areas could be completely cut off, perhaps for several days.
What should you do during heavy and prolonged rain?
Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously. It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help. It’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water. Help to protect vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is an updated amber weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Amber weather alert for rain will remain in place until 11pm on Friday.