Monmouth town centre in Wales experienced significant flooding following Storm Claudia, prompting the fire service to declare a major incident. Severe overnight floods on Saturday left many areas submerged, leading to the rescue of residents from flooded homes and evacuations to a local library. As of now, four severe flood warnings remain active in south-east Wales, indicating a "danger to life" in those locations. While flooding in England has been less severe, 42 flood warnings are still in place, and the threat persists as the UK braces for a cold snap potentially bringing snow this week.
Tragically, in Portugal, an 85-year-old British woman died after powerful winds struck a holiday campsite in an area heavily impacted by the storm. Dubbed Storm Claudia by Spain's meteorological agency, it has resulted in heavy rain and strong winds across Spain and Portugal as well. On Saturday, dramatic flooding was reported in Ireland, affecting areas like Portarlington and County Wexford.
In England and Wales, train services faced significant disruptions throughout Saturday, with continued delays and cancellations expected into Sunday. Great Western Railway reported all lines blocked between Swindon and Bristol Parkway on Sunday morning, impacting services from London Paddington to Swansea. The disruption is expected to persist until midday, with National Rail advising passengers to check schedules before traveling and the AA cautioning drivers against "hazardous weather" journeys.
The fire and rescue service in Monmouth reported hundreds of homes without power and responded to over 80 flooding incidents since the River Monnow overflowed on Friday night. A local county councillor expressed being "absolutely heartbroken" for flood victims. One family recounted an experience of clinging to a tree after floodwaters submerged their car. Monmouthshire County Council has urged drivers to avoid traveling in the area.
Images showed streets and gardens in Monmouth inundated after the river's banks burst, with some residents navigating the high street by boat.