Warning: Amber

To expect: Rain

Affected area: Wales

Start time estimate: Friday 1pm

End time estimate: Saturday 12am

Storm Claudia prompts the Met Office to issue an Amber rain warning for Wales for Friday and Saturday.

Heavy showers are projected to batter Wales, approaching the area on Friday at around 1pm and continuing until Saturday 12am.

The Amber alert for rain was announced at 11:33am 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. 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

Spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions, some road closures, and delays or cancellations to train and bus services; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life; Homes and businesses flooded and damage to some buildings; Loss of power and other essential services, such as gas, water or mobile phone services, is possible; Some communities cut off by flooded roads.

What should you do during heavy and prolonged rain?

Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions. You may need to amend or even cancel journeys if driving conditions are dangerous. Keep up to date with bus and train timetables for delays or cancellations. 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. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

What is an 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 12am on Saturday.