Storm Claudia: Met Office warns of 'danger to life' amid amber warning for rain - Sussex and Surrey share differing fortunes
An amber warning has been issued ahead of the arrival of Storm Claudia – and the Met Office has warned of a 'danger to life'.
The Met Office said that Storm Claudia – named by the Spanish Meteorological Service – is ‘expected to bring heavy rain leading to flooding and disruption’ on Friday (November 14).
An amber warning for rain comes into force at 12pm and will remain in place until 11.59pm.
The weather experts revealed what people in the warning areas should expect.
“Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life,” the amber alert read.
"Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.
"Spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
"A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads. Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely.
"Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses possible.”
Sussex and Surrey are among the few England counties not covered by the amber warning. However, Surrey is impacted by a yellow alert from 6am on Friday until 6am on Saturday.
This warning states that some communities ‘may be cut off by flooded roads’.
It added: “Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses. Spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions, some road closures, and some bus and train services delayed or cancelled.
"Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings. Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.”
What is the forecast for Sussex, with no weather warnings in place?
The BBC has provided the latest forecast for Sussex, which predicts that Friday will be ‘unsettled and breezy’ – with ‘outbreaks of rain progressing northwards, this heavy at times’.
It added: “Rain clearing to showers in the late afternoon, with a chance of the odd rumble of thunder.
“It looks to be generally cloudy but dry on Saturday under brisk easterly winds, with just a few brighter breaks possible in spots.
"Mostly cloudy and dry on Sunday with only the odd spot of drizzle, though some late brightness is possible in the afternoon. Plenty of sunshine and limited cloud on Monday, but trending colder under northerly winds.”
What does the amber warning indicate?
In other parts of the UK – including London – Storm Claudia will bring rain that will ‘become persistent and heavy’ during Friday, the Met Office said.
The government agency added: “40-60 mm of rain is expected widely across this region with some places seeing around 80 mm; 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.”
To keep yourself and others safe, people are asked to ‘prepare to avoid travelling by road’ during ‘potentially dangerous road conditions’.
The Met Office added: “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.
"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.
"Consider checking on 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.