Storm Claudia LIVE: Winds hit 70mph as cars crushed and trees down on train lines
Storm Claudia has lashed England and Wales with winds of up to 70mph, causing widespread disruption for travellers. A fallen tree has blocked the line between Manchester Piccadilly and Bredbury, with Northern Trains warning of cancellations, delays and diversions. Another tree fell onto a road in Macclesfield, crashing on top of three cars.
Heavy rainfall flooded the line between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple in Devon, with replacement taxis and coaches running until at least the end of Sunday. A massive 81.8mm of rain was recorded between Thursday at 6pm and Friday at 4pm at a Natural Resources Wales gauge at Tafalog in Gwent. The Met Office has expanded "danger to life" warnings across Wales and Yorkshire and Humber, with 93 alerts in place.
The weather agency said: "There is a good chance communities in flooded areas could be completely cut off, perhaps for several days." For updates on Storm Claudia, follow our live blog below...
21:47Charlie JonesTree collapses and smashes onto bungalow below
A bungalow was hit by a falling tree as Storm Claudia brought chaos to the UK. Pictures show an uprooted tree crashing into a house in Manchester.
Earlier, residents were forced to evacuate their homes in Bollington, Cheshire, after a tree fell on properties and knocked down power lines. The storm has also wreaked havoc on the region's transport networks, with trains and Metrolink services disrupted by fallen trees. A tree has come down in strong winds in Manchester, falling on a bungalow.
A tree hit a bungalow on Lynmouth Ave, Oldham, as the UK is battered by Storm Claudia on Nov 14 (Submitted)21:00Charlie JonesSignificant flooding reported in Handsworth, Birmingham
Posting on X and sharing a video of the waterlogged street, weather monitor page StormWatch wrote: "Significant flooding has impacted Handsworth, Birmingham, causing disruptions tonight. Residents are urged to stay safe and monitor local updates."
Significant flooding has impacted Handsworth, Birmingham, causing disruptions tonight. Residents are urged to stay safe and monitor local updates. pic.twitter.com/QXqWwfLh5X[2]
-- StormWire (@storm_wire) November 14, 2025[3]19:56Charlie JonesHeavy rain expected across the UK
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."
19:17Charlie JonesTwo flood alerts issued across Greater Manchester
Two flood alerts were issued across Greater Manchester as Storm Claudia hit. According to the Flood Alerts website, flooding is possible for the River Mersey Uplands catchment including Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stalybridge and Glossop. The flood alert area for this warning is listed as: The Mersey Uplands catchment includes Rivers Goyt, Tame, Sett and Etherow and their tributaries.
Other locations which may be affected are around Saddleworth, Mossley, New Mills, Hazel Grove, Marple, Romiley and Hyde.
18:25Charlie JonesMassive delays on the M1 as a crush shuts a two lanes in storm chaos
Drivers on the M1 have been hit by hour-long delays after a crash between two cars left two of four lanes closed on the M1 in Northamptonshire. Drivers are being warned of 7.5 miles of traffic and are advised to avoid the area. Adding to the chaos, the A15 Humber Bridge has also been closed in both directions due to strong winds.
18:02Eliana NunesStorm Claudia threatens to ruin Cheltenham Gold Cup card
A precautionary inspection is set to take place at Cheltenham tomorrow morning ahead of the seven-race Paddy Power Gold Cup card.
Jon Pullin, clerk of the course, told Racing TV: "We've had 12mm of rain through the day to add to the 7mm overnight and as we've been racing this afternoon we've opened up the track." He continued: "We've still got further rain to come, possibly until midnight and we could see some heavy spells in the next couple of hours. Having opened it up it makes sense to have a look in the morning.
"The forecast is saying it should be drying up from 1am and we do know that once this track gets a bit of a window without any rain it does start to drain and hopefully that will be the case. "This is precautionary, we've raced today and we do have that dry window. I'd be hopeful we'll be OK for tomorrow.
We'll do everything we can to make a decision as early as we can."
17:27KEY EVENTFallen tree blocking Manchester Piccadilly line
A fallen tree has blocked the line between Manchester Piccadilly and Bredbury. Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled, delayed or diverted, Northern Trains has said. It added Network Rail was aware of the issue and staff were on the way to the area.
The rail operator has given the following advice to affected customers: "Customers at Belle Vue, Ryder Brow, Reddish North, Brinnington and Bredbury requires services towards New Mills Central/Sheffield are advised to travel to Manchester Piccadilly and change for connecting services towards New Mills Central/Sheffield. "Customers who require Belle Vue, Ryder Brow, Reddish North, Brinnington and Bredbury are advised to travel to Romiley and change for connecting Northern services which are not impacted.
"Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption. Restrictions will be reinstated once the disruption ends."
16:02Eliana NunesAftermath of the flooding caused by Storm Claudia in Cumbria
Dramatic drone shots show the aftermath of the flooding caused by Storm Claudia in West Cumbria. Huge bodies of water can be seen covering fields and blocking roads in Allonby village, as well as the grounds of Netherhall School and Netherhall Rugby Club in Maryport.
Flooding at Netherhall School And Netherhall Rugby Club, West Cumbria (Northern Drone Footage / SWNS)15:23Eliana NunesTree fell on road and landed on three cars
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said its crews responded to a call at 11.40am reporting that a tree had fallen onto the road in Macclesfield and landed on three cars.
The service said: "Crews were in attendance at an incident in which a tree had fallen onto the roadway and landed on three cars. All persons were able to get themselves safely out of their vehicles and were assessed by paramedics on scene. Police were also in attendance and set up a cordon surrounding the scene and closed the road."
15:12Sam Elliott-GibbsEnergy Networks issues power cut safety advice ahead of weather warnings
SP Energy Networks has issued advice to help customers prepare in case of power cuts caused by damaging winds and heavy rain associated with Storm Claudia.
Liam O'Sullivan, SP Manweb Licence Director said: "When extreme weather hits, the potential for damage to our power lines increases, which means power cuts can become more likely. "We have mobilised teams of engineers to the areas where we expect the weather to have the most impact so we can respond as quickly and as safely as possible whilst dealing with the expected flooding and debris on roads and access paths. "It's important our customers are also fully prepared and know what to do, just in case the lights go out.
The first thing to do if you lose power is to let us know right away so we can get to work quickly to restore your power. If you experience a power outage, report it to us by calling the free, national emergency helpline 105 - please don't assume we know about it."
14:59KEY EVENTWinds already reach 70MPH
Storm Claudia could bring wind gusts of 60-70 mph today for parts of northwest England and northwest Wales This includes cross winds for some major roads such as the M6, which will result in dangerous driving conditions
Warnings are in force, so please take care pic.twitter.com/ucxmy02Smq[4]
-- Met Office (@metoffice) November 14, 2025[5]14:50KEY EVENTHow long are the weather warnings in place for?
A number of 24-hour yellow weather warnings for rain were issued at 6am on Friday, in the southern part of the country. Amber warnings will remain in place until midnight. Storm Claudia is expected to bring very heavy rain leading to flooding and disruption on Friday.
Some areas may get near to their whole month's worth of rain today.
Choppy waters are expected (Daily Post Wales)14:36Sam Elliott-GibbsTrain strikes a tree
A tree brought down in Storm Claudia was struck by a train at Blakedown, Worcestershire earlier today. West Midlands Railway say it damaged the train and blocking the line but has now been cleared.
#WMRInfo[6] Storm Claudia tree disruption What we're facing today.
We had a tree strike at Blakedown this morning, damaging one of our trains & blocking the line Services are now running, but please have patience with us as we balance running trains with safety concerns pic.twitter.com/EE8eDxtoma[7]
-- West Midlands Railway (@WestMidRailway) November 14, 2025[8]14:21Sam Elliott-GibbsFire service warns of 'deadly flood water'
The Fire and Rescue Service in Warwickshire say even just a small amount of water could sweep vehicles away. The organisation posted on its social media forum: "Strong currents can be deadly for drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike.
"Flooding can destroy properties and cause long-lasting damage to communities. Don't put them at risk by driving through flood waters and causing bow waves. "Emergency responders risk their own lives to save those trapped in flood waters.
Don't make their job harder."
14:12KEY EVENTMapped: Areas predicted to be hit by snow
Heavy snow has already hit parts of Scotland - and it may not be long until it arrives across the rest of the UK. Britain is bracing for a blast of wintry weather next week as forecasters warn of a 300-mile snow cloud sweeping the country. Bringing freezing temperatures, cold winds and the risk of travel chaos, it could reaching England within days.
Do you need to dig out the shovel? You can see the days when snow is predicted in your area with our interactive map.
13:53Sam Elliott-GibbsHold onto you hat, Zara!
Zara Tindall isn't letting the wind and rain put her off trying to find a winner. She almost lost her hat at Countryside Day at Cheltenham, with the days racing under way.
Zara Tindall battles the wind and rain (PA)13:24Sam Elliott-GibbsFlood alerts mapped
The Environmental Agency has issued more than flood alerts and five flood warnings across England.
Check your area in the map below.
The flood alerts across the UK13:15Sam TrueloveBritish Red Cross teams on standby
The British Red Cross said it has placed its emergency response teams on standby to help communities most at risk. Laura Scott, head of crisis response and resilience at the British Red Cross, said: "As Storm Claudia brings heavy rain and strong winds, our emergency response teams are ready to support local authorities and communities that may be affected. "Our recent research showed many people aren't aware of how to prepare for a weather emergency such as flooding.
"That's why we're encouraging everyone to take a few easy steps now -- like securing loose items outdoors, checking drains and gutters, and having a plan for your family and pets if you need to leave your home quickly. These actions are hopefully just precautionary but could make all the difference. "We know that when severe weather hits, it's often the people who are already struggling who are most affected.
That's why being prepared and supporting each other is so important."
13:05Sam TrueloveDrivers urged to delay journeys
The RAC is urging drivers to take the amber weather warnings associated with Storm Claudia "extremely seriously". RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "Drivers may wish to consider delaying their journeys until the worst of the impacts are over, especially in areas that are hardest hit this weekend." She said the storm precedes a cold snap going into next week when there is potential for freezing temperatures which will make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice.
"We expect breakdown volumes to be around 10% higher than what's normal for this time of year, which equates to around 1,000 more people needing our help each day," she said. "Normal indicators of autumn, like fallen leaves on the road, can also become very hazardous in icy conditions as they create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding. In both heavy rain and frost, it's vital motorists slow right down and leave extra room for stopping distances."
Heavy rain has caused some roads to flood (Anita Maric / SWNS)12:56Sam TrueloveA wet and windy Cheltenham
It is Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse today and racegoers are braving the tough conditions to watch the action.
The racecourse confirmed this morning that the going is good to soft, soft in places. The course said they will "continue to monitor conditions" due to significant rainfall expected throughout the day.
Racegoers in rainy conditions during Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)12:47Sam TrueloveFlood warnings - check your area
An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of the UK as Storm Claudia is set to unleash heaving rain and wind on some areas. Brits have been told to brace themselves as Claudia draws in, with forecasters already warning of chaos on the roads, downed power lines and rising floodwaters.
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for huge parts of England and Wales from midday Friday, with the threat of 60-80mm of rain becoming fairly widespread. Storm Claudia could bring up to a month's worth of showers in the worst impacted regions. There are over 100 flood alerts in place[9] across England, with the Midlands, North and South West particularly affected.
Some places could have 80mm of rain in England, while part of Wales may be hit by 100-150mm on the higher ground, or 50-75mm generally across the region, the Met Office warning says. You can see all the flood alerts near you by using our interactive map below!
12:36KEY EVENTFearsome new weather map
The Met Office have detailed the sheer volume of rain that is about to hit the country. The menacing map outlines the impact Storm Claudia will have across most of England and Wales over the next few hours.
Disruption and flooding expected across England and Wales today from heavy rain associated with Storm Claudia
Strong, gusty winds will also affect parts of northwest Wales and northwest England A drier and brighter afternoon for Northern Ireland and Scotland pic.twitter.com/Wy96SIf18w[10]
-- Met Office (@metoffice) November 14, 2025[11]12:24KEY EVENT'Areas could be completely cut off for days'
The Met Office have warned Brits could be cut off for a number of days following the storm.With flooding probale in many areas, the weather agency said: "There is a good chance communities in flooded areas could be completely cut off, perhaps for several days." There are currently 93 flood alerts in place across Britain.
The affected areas include Wales, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and many more.
12:15Sam Elliott-GibbsIt's already wet and windy out there!
The scene in Liverpool (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)12:06Sam Elliott-GibbsMet Office outline warnings
Amber and Yellow warnings have been issued in association with Storm Claudia Disruption and flooding are likely Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/tFqKQXIOiX[12][13]
-- Met Office (@metoffice) November 14, 2025[14]11:47Sam Elliott-GibbsHow much rain could fall?
In England, some places could have 80mm of rain, while part of Wales may be hit by 100-150mm on the higher ground, or 50-75mm generally across the region, the Met Office says.
All of this may be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, as well as thunderstorms later today
Umbrellas are needed today (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)11:25KEY EVENTFlood alerts - check your area
There are currently 93 flood alerts in place across Britain. The affected areas include Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and many more. You can see the full list here.[15]
11:22KEY EVENTNew warning for Northern Ireland
The Met Office has issued a fresh yellow warning for Northern Ireland.
The warning will come into effect at midnight on Saturday and remain in place until 12 noon. The National Weather Agency warned: "Storm Claudia, previously named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, will bring rain north through Friday evening and night, before slowly easing through Saturday morning. "Strong easterly winds will accompany this rain.
Accumulations of 10-20 mm are expected fairly widely, with potentially in excess of 40 mm over the Mourne mountains. This, following recent wet weather, is likely to lead to some surface water and river flooding impacts."
10:47KEY EVENTMet Office issue additional amber warning
The Met Office have just issued a further amber warning. In its latest update, the weather agency say the warning area has been expanded northwards across the East Midlands and Lincolnshire.
Check our full story here.[16]
10:35KEY EVENTRyanair warns of 'potential disruption'
Ryanair have told passengers that services may be impacted as Storm Claudia swirls.A social media statement read: "Potential disruption to/from the UK (Fri 14 Nov) due to Storm Claudia.
"Affected passengers will be notified and any passengers travelling to/from the UK on Friday 14 Nov should check the Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight."
References
- ^ Read the full story here. (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/QXqWwfLh5X (t.co)
- ^ November 14, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/ucxmy02Smq (t.co)
- ^ November 14, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WMRInfo (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/EE8eDxtoma (t.co)
- ^ November 14, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ There are over 100 flood alerts in place (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/Wy96SIf18w (t.co)
- ^ November 14, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ #WeatherAware (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/tFqKQXIOiX (t.co)
- ^ November 14, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ You can see the full list here. (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)
- ^ here. (www.mirror.co.uk)