13 November 2025
The AA is urging motorists to take extreme care as the Met Office upgrades parts of its Yellow warning to Amber for heavy rain and strong winds linked to Storm Claudia.
Storm Claudia will bring rain that will become persistent and heavy during Friday. 40-60 mm of rain is widely expected, 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 Amber alert signals a higher likelihood of severe impacts, including flooding and travel disruption.
Areas Upgraded to Amber Warning
From midday to midnight Friday, the following regions are now under an Amber warning:
- East Midlands: Leicester; Leicestershire; Lincolnshire; Northamptonshire; Rutland
- East of England: Bedford; Cambridgeshire; Central Bedfordshire; Norfolk; Peterborough
- London & Southeast England: Buckinghamshire; Milton Keynes; Oxfordshire
- South West England: Gloucestershire; South Gloucestershire
- Wales: Monmouthshire; Powys
- West Midlands: Herefordshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire; Warwickshire; West Midlands Conurbation; Worcestershire
In addition to the Amber alert, a Yellow warning for rain covers a wider area from 06:00 Friday 14 November to 06:00 Saturday 15 November. This means persistent heavy rain will continue before and after the Amber period, increasing the risk of surface water flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
Shaun Jones, AA expert patrol, said: “With the Amber warning now in place for Storm Claudia, conditions could deteriorate quickly. Heavy rain and strong winds mean extra care is essential – reduce your speed, leave more space between vehicles, and be prepared for sudden hazards like standing water or debris.
Flood water can appear rapidly, and even shallow water can be dangerous, so steer clear of flooded roads. Keep an eye on local traffic and weather updates and adjust your driving to suit the conditions. If your car starts to aquaplane, ease off the accelerator gently and keep the steering straight until you regain grip.”