South Wales Fire and Rescue declared a major incident in Monmouth in the early hours of Saturday due to severe and widespread flooding from Storm Claudia. Natural Resources Wales issued four severe flooding warnings indicating "significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected". More than 90 flood warnings remain in place across England, with the Environment Agency warning that properties could flood and travel disruption is expected through the weekend.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies have been working through the night conducting welfare checks, evacuations and rescues. Matt Jones, Area Manager for South Wales Fire and Rescue, said: «This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected. I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism and care they continue to show in very difficult circumstances. I would urge the public to avoid the Monmouth area completely where possible. The flooding is significant, and we need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most. If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999.»
Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, SARA, Mountain Rescue, the Coastguard and neighbouring fire services are collaborating in the response. One rain gauge in Wales recorded more than 60 percent of November's typical rainfall, while Little Rissington in Gloucestershire saw over 72 millimeters on Friday alone. The yellow weather warning for rain expired at 6am Saturday, though further rainfall is expected in East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.
Arctic air incoming
The stormy conditions will give way to a dramatic shift from Sunday as Arctic air moves in. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: «Overnight (on) Saturday and throughout the course of Sunday, we will start to see winds changing to be a bit more northerly, introducing a lot of Arctic air. Clouds will clear throughout the course of the day so it will allow for some sunshine, but with it, it's going to be turning much colder. I think people are really going to notice a chill into Sunday and feeling cold in many areas. Things are starting to turn less stormy, a bit brighter, but it's going to be feeling a lot colder and, as we head into next week, we'll see a continuation of that.»
The UK Health Security Agency issued a cold weather warning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber from 8am Monday November 17 until 8am Friday November 21. Snow and sleet could affect north-facing coasts and hills next week as the cold snap continues.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
