Storm Claudia: Danger to life amber weather warning in place in Derbyshire – as Met Office issues update

The Met Office initially issued a yellow weather warning for rain in Derbyshire, but has upgraded the warning this morning in accordance with the latest forecast.

Amber weather warning for rain and yellow weather warning for wind will be in place in Derbyshire from 12 noon until midnight today (Friday, November 14).

An additional yellow weather warning for rain will be in place until 6am tomorrow (Saturday, November 15).

This after the Environment Agency has issued 11 flood alerts for Derbyshire this morning.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Storm Claudia, previously named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, will bring rain that will become persistent and heavy during Friday.

"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.”

The Met Office has warned that fast flowing or deep floodwater is ‘likely, causing danger to life.

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 is possible with delays and some cancellations to train and bus services ‘likely’.

The Met Office has further warned that there is a ‘good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads’.

Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses ‘possible’, the Met Office has warned.

The following safety advice has been issued to people in the areas affected by the warning: “Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. 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.”