Storm Claudia brought strong winds of up to 70mph to England and Wales, leading to significant travel disruptions last night.
In Manchester, a fallen tree blocked the railway line between Manchester Piccadilly and Bredbury, resulting in cancellations and delays by Northern Trains. Another tree fell onto a road in Macclesfield, damaging three cars. Heavy rainfall caused flooding between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple in Devon, prompting the use of replacement taxis and coaches until at least the end of Sunday.
A record 81.8mm of rain was measured in Tafalog, Gwent, between Thursday evening and Friday afternoon. The Met Office expanded “danger to life” warnings to include Wales and Yorkshire and Humber, issuing 93 alerts. The agency warned of potential complete isolation for flooded communities.
Several areas, including Ewyas Harold, Hertfordshire, and Penarth seafront in south Wales, experienced severe flooding. Storm Claudia also caused property damage, with a bungalow in Manchester hit by a falling tree.
Transport networks were severely impacted by fallen trees, disrupting train and Metrolink services. A precautionary inspection at Cheltenham Racecourse is scheduled due to the storm’s impact.
Residents were advised to prepare for potential power cuts by SP Energy Networks. The British Red Cross and RAC urged caution, emphasizing the importance of readiness and safe driving in adverse conditions.
As the storm continues, the public is advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.