The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, highlighting the risk of flooding, travel disruption and difficult conditions. No warnings are currently in place for Carmarthenshire or Pembrokeshire.
An amber warning has been issued further east, covering parts of Newport and Monmouthshire, where rainfall totals are expected to be higher and more prolonged.
Recent flooding adds to concern
Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend County, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire have all seen flooding incidents in recent days, with rivers running high and surface water affecting roads. Emergency planners say Storm Claudia’s arrival could worsen conditions, with further flooding likely in vulnerable areas.
Local impacts expected
- Swansea & Neath Port Talbot: Risk of surface water flooding along the River Tawe and River Neath, with disruption likely on commuter routes.
- Bridgend County: Strong winds and heavy rain could cause hazardous driving conditions along the M4 and coastal areas.
- Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire: No warnings currently in place, but residents are advised to remain alert given recent rainfall and saturated ground.
“Month’s worth of rain”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said:
“Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. This rain will become slow moving, and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours. Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding.”
Flood risk warning
The Environment Agency has urged caution, stressing that further flooding impacts are possible after recent incidents. Flood Duty Manager Ben Lukey said:
“Storm Claudia will bring heavy prolonged rainfall… We urge people not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
Public advice
The Met Office and Environment Agency have issued guidance for residents ahead of Storm Claudia:
- Check flood alerts and warnings online.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the amber warning period.
- Never drive through floodwater.
- Prepare a flood plan and emergency kit if living in at‑risk areas.
Colder spell to follow
By the weekend, the Met Office say that conditions will turn colder, with overnight frosts and the first snow of the season possible in northern and eastern parts of the UK. South West Wales is expected to see rain gradually ease, giving way to drier but chillier weather into next week.
