Storm Claudia live: More than 100 flood alerts issued across the UK

The Met Office warned that Storm Claudia could bring winds of 60-70mph making driving dangerous in some areas.

Forecasters said there were headwinds on some major roads, including the M6.

Storm Claudia will bring heavy rain throughout the day across England and Wales, but there will also be strong winds in the west. There remains a danger of flood. Windy and cold with bright sunshine and rain across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Rain will continue across the central UK, although reducing slightly as the night progresses. Aridity in the far north and far south. Frosty for northern Scotland.

Cloudy and wet conditions will persist across England and Wales. It will be sunny and dry across much of Northern Ireland and Scotland. Mild in the south, cold in the north.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Breezy but cooler conditions are expected to move south through Sunday and into early next week. Hail and snow are possible, concentrated primarily along north-facing coasts and hills.

Heavy rain is expected to continue until the early hours of Saturday morning, with a yellow weather warning in effect until 6am.

Heavy rain is expected in Eastern England, London, South West England, Yorkshire, the North East and Wales.

The Met Office has warned that, following recent wet weather, impacts to surface water and river flooding are likely.

More than 100 flood alerts have been issued across the country as Hurricane Claudia brings heavy rain.

The Environment Agency has issued 102 flood alerts and nine flood warnings across northern England, the Midlands and the South West.

The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports:

The AA is warning motorists about the impacts of Storm Claudia on the east of England, the Midlands and south east Wales.

The Met Office has issued a rain warning for much of southern Britain.

The motoring organization said: “Storm Claudia will bring rain that will become persistent and heavy during Friday. Widespread 40 to 60 mm rainfall is expected, with some places reaching as much as 80 mm.

“These high accumulations are likely to be greater over higher ground in the eastern Midlands and Wales and western England. Strong easterly winds as well as thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening could increase the impact.

“Amber Alert indicates a greater likelihood of severe impacts, including flooding and travel disruption.”

In addition to the amber alert, a yellow warning for rainfall covers a wide area until 6 am Saturday.

“This means persistent heavy rainfall will continue before and after the amber period, increasing the risk of surface water flooding and dangerous driving conditions,” the AA said.

Flooding is expected in amber weather warning areas due to Hurricane Claudia.

The Met Office has warned that heavy rain could cause flooding to homes and businesses, causing road closures and transport delays.

Under an amber weather warning, fast moving water or deep flooding is also possible, which could be life-threatening.

“We are urging people to remain vigilant and prepare for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in a flood risk area on our website and sign up to our free flood warning service,” said Alun Attwood, duty tactical manager Wales at Natural Resources Wales.

“We do not issue flood warnings for flooding caused by surface water, so it is important for everyone to know their flood risk.

“If flooding is forecast in your area, we want to make sure people are doing everything they can to keep themselves safe. Think preparing a flood kit with any important documents and medication, moving your car to higher ground and moving valuable property up or down to higher ground.

“We also want to remind people to stay away from swollen riverbanks and not drive or walk through flood water as you never know what’s down there.”

Storm Claudia is set to hit England and Wales as early as Friday and Saturday, with an amber warning issued by the Met Office.