Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Swipe for next article
Cold weather alerts come in the wake of Storm Claudia
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Britons have been warned to prepare for cold weather next week following heavy rain and flooding brought by Storm Claudia on Friday.
A yellow alert for cold weather has been issued for large parts of the country by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The alert – which comes into place from 8am on Monday until 8am on Friday – covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber.
It comes in the wake of Storm Claudia, which has brought amber weather warnings and torrential rain to large parts of the country on Friday.
As of 6:30pm on Friday, the Environment Agency has issued 158 flood alerts and 39 flood warnings as some areas face fast-flowing and deep floodwater posing a “danger to life”.
Claudia will sweep across the country on Friday night and continue to intensify into Saturday morning, with 60 to 80mm of rainfall spreading fairly widely across amber warning areas in the Midlands, south-east Wales, and East Anglia.
Severe flooding has hits parts of south Wales.
At 1.30am on Saturday South Wales Fire and Rescue declared a major incident due to flooding in Monmouth.
The area has seen fast-moving water, blocked routes and pressure on local infrastructure, Wales Online reported.
Crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS University Trust (WAST), Mountain Rescue and the Coastguard have been working to carrying out rescues, evacuations and welfare checks on residents.
Storm Claudia has been wreaking havoc across the North of England.
Residents were evacuated from homes in Bollington, Cheshire, after a tree fell on properties and brought down power lines, Manchester Evening News reported.
The news site also said a tree fell on a house in Oldham, near Manchester.
Lapland Manchester was also forced to close yesterday due to the stormy weather posing a safety risk to the public.
Downpours which battered parts of England and Wales on Friday will be replaced with below-freezing temperatures as a yellow alert for cold weather was issued.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the cold weather warning for parts of the Midlands and northern England from Monday, and the Environment Agency has warned flooding will continue throughout the weekend.
The alert is in place from 8am on Monday November 17 until 8am on Friday November 21.
It covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber.
It warns that there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
This Evening and Tonight:
Rain, heavy at times, will continue across the central swathe of the UK, though easing a little as the night progresses. Drier in the far north and far south. Frosty for northern Scotland and fog developing across southern England.
Saturday:
Remaining cloudy and damp across England and Wales. Drier and brighter for much of Northern Ireland and Scotland, with some sunny spells. Mild in the south, cold in the north.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Brighter but colder conditions are likely to extend southwards through Sunday and into early next week. Sleet and snow showers possible, mainly focused towards north facing coasts and hills.
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Regardless of the impact of Storm Claudia, Britain’s biggest airport, London Heathrow will be harder to reach or leave this weekend due to planned engineering work.
On Saturday and Sunday no Heathrow Express trains will run to or from London Paddington, and the Elizabeth line link from central London is also closed.
Use the Piccadilly line of the London Underground instead – but be warned that the Tube is much slower.
The Elizabeth line is also suspended for the core central London section between Paddington and Liverpool Street.
The AA is warning motorists about the effects of Storm Claudia on the East of England, the Midlands and south east Wales.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for rain across a swathe of southern Britain.
The motoring organisation said: “Storm Claudia will bring rain that will become persistent and heavy during Friday. 40-60mm of rain is widely expected, with some places seeing around 80mm.
“These higher accumulations more probable across the East Midlands, and higher ground in Wales and western England. Impacts may be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, as well as thunderstorms later Friday afternoon and evening.
“The amber alert signals a higher likelihood of severe impacts, including flooding and travel disruption.”In addition to the amber alert, a yellow warning for rain covers a wider area up to 6am on Saturday.
“This means persistent heavy rain will continue before and after the amber period, increasing the risk of surface water flooding and hazardous driving conditions,” the AA said.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
