Severe 'risk to life' flood warnings issued as Storm Claudia arrives in Wales
River levels are rising due to continued heavy rain
Last updated 14th Nov 2025
Natural Resources Wales is warning of a 'significant risk to life' after issuing two severe flood warnings in Monmouthshire.
River levels on the River Monnow are continuing to rise after heavy rain brought by Storm Claudia. The severe warnings cover the areas of Skenfrith and Forge Road, Osbaston.
The latest information can be found here
On its website, Natural Resources Wales has issued the following information:
"Significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected. River levels are rising. Further heavy rainfall is expected over the next 6 hours. Severe flooding is expected. Flooding to property is expected. Flood water could be deep and fast flowing and pose a risk to life. "
Today's downpours have lead to disruption on the roads and rail.
GWR said routes between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway were closed due to flooding, with severe disruption expected to last for the rest of the day.
Passengers and rugby fans travelling to Cardiff were advised of a route closure on the rail network between Hereford and Newport.
Network Rail has closed the section of the Marches Line following advice from Natural Resources Wales because of several sites of flooding, with water levels not expected to fall until Saturday afternoon.
It said passengers with valid tickets can travel at no extra cost with Avanti trains, Cross Country and Great Western Railway.
Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “We’re doing everything we can to mitigate the impact of Storm Claudia to the railway, including placing extra staff at key locations across the network, who will be ready to respond if they’re required.
“We ask passengers to check before travelling on Friday and into the weekend, particularly if they are visiting Cardiff Principality Stadium for the rugby, to take extra care and allow plenty of time to complete their journeys.”
Marie Daly, Chief Operations Officer for Transport for Wales, said: “The safety of our customers and our colleagues is our absolute priority.
“While the rain is predicted to ease on Saturday, we will still be dealing with the impact on Friday’s storm and high water levels may mean that it’s not possible to run services safely. Customers should continue to check before they travel all weekend.
"Network Rail and Transport for Wales teams are working across the route to manage the impact of Storm Claudia including carrying out flood inspections, monitoring river levels, responding to fallen trees and debris and running replacement bus services where possible.
"The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority and we will be working together to keep our customers moving; however, there are likely to be some short notice amendments to services".
Amber warnings for "persistent and heavy" rain came into force at noon and run until midnight, covering parts of Wales, as well as the Midlands, the South West, the South East, and East of England.
Parts of Wales may be hit by 100-150mm of rainfall on higher ground, or 50-75mm generally across the region, the Met Office warning says.
All of this may be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, as well as thunderstorms later on Friday, the forecaster adds.
The British Red Cross said it has placed its emergency response teams on standby to help communities most at risk.
Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency, has already brought heavy rain and strong winds to Spain and Portugal.
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.
"Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding and contributing to the amber warnings we have issued."