Storm Claudia Triggers Major Flood Incident in Monmouth; Cold Snap Looms
Storm Claudia Triggers Major Flood Incident in Monmouth; Cold Snap Looms
Monmouth faces severe floods as Storm Claudia prompts a major incident; forecasters warn of a brutally cold snap and possible snow in the coming days.
Storm Claudia has triggered a major incident in Monmouth as floodwaters surged through the town and surrounding communities. Fire services described a 'large-scale' operation after the River Monnow burst its banks, inundating streets and homes. Dozens of residents were rescued from flooded properties or evacuated to makeshift shelters while crews from fire and rescue, police, ambulance, mountain rescue and the coastguard worked through the night alongside neighbours. Local authorities urged people to stay away from swollen riverbanks and to follow official guidance as the clean-up begins.
Rainfall in the past 12 hours reached 119.6mm at Tafalog, Gwent, with 80.6mm recorded at Suckley, Worcestershire, underscoring the severity of this downpour. The downpour, occurring in the 12 hours to 6am on Saturday, contributed to rapid flood growth across the Monmouth area and parts of south-eastern Wales and the border counties, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Ferocious winds added to the danger, with 63mph recorded at Aberdaron in Gwynedd and 68mph at Warcop Range in Cumbria. As Claudia retreats to the south, a high-pressure system to the north-west is expected to drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. This shift is set to bring much colder conditions than in recent days, with a generally drier spell but the potential for wintry hazards, including snow and ice, and widespread frosts.
Forecasters warn temperatures could dip as low as -7C in some places next week, with daytime temperatures remaining in single figures across the country. A notable wind chill will accompany the cold, raising concerns about further travel disruption and hazardous conditions on untreated roads and pavements. The change marks a sharp contrast to the milder spell that preceded Claudia and raises the risk of icy stretches on top of flood damage in affected towns.
Emergency services say they will maintain a heightened state of readiness as crews coordinate with mountain rescue teams, coastguard units and local authorities to support affected residents. Residents and visitors to Monmouth are advised to monitor weather updates and heed safety guidance on staying clear of floodwaters and swollen riverbanks. The focus now shifts to swift relief, safe cleanup, and planning for potential additional weather events as the country braces for a colder week ahead.
