Snow is anticipated in parts of the UK as a cold snap is set to arrive in the coming days following Storm Claudia, according to the Met Office.
The storm significantly impacted Wales, where a major incident was declared. Dozens of residents were either rescued or evacuated in the town of Monmouth due to severe flooding caused by the River Monnow overflowing its banks.
Impact of Storm Claudia
Rainfall of 119.6mm was measured at a Natural Resources Wales rain gauge at Tafalog in Gwent, south-east Wales, over a 12-hour period, while 80.6mm was recorded in Suckley, Worcestershire.
As cleanup efforts commence, forecasters predict colder conditions, including the possibility of snow and a marked wind chill in the coming days.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley stated that as Storm Claudia moves south, high pressure will create a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK.
Much colder conditions are expected, with widespread frosts, and temperatures possibly dropping as low as -7°C. Daytime temperatures are projected to remain in single figures throughout the country.
Emergency Response and Weather Warnings
Ferocious winds were also reported in north-west Wales and north-west England during the storm, with wind speeds reaching 63mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd and 68mph at Warcop Range in Cumbria.
South Wales fire and rescue services declared a major incident in Monmouth early Saturday due to extensive flooding in the town and surrounding areas.
Emergency crews worked in conjunction with Gwent police and ambulance services to conduct welfare checks, evacuations, and rescues, facing challenges from fast-moving water and blocked roads.
The Environment Agency later reported that at least 20 properties in England were flooded, including some in Cumbria.
In Northern Ireland, a yellow-level rain warning was issued for counties Armagh and Down, while in the Republic of Ireland, a status orange rain warning was placed for counties Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning for parts of the Midlands and northern England, expecting disruption until Saturday. National Rail has advised travelers to check services before embarking on journeys.
In Portugal, an extreme wind storm at a campsite in Albufeira resulted in the death of an 85-year-old British woman. Two others were seriously injured, while 23 people were hurt at a hotel in the area.
