Amber weather warnings issued as Storm Claudia approaches

• Storm Claudia is forecast to bring torrential rain and strong winds across parts of England and Wales from Friday, with amber warnings issued for "persistent and heavy" rainfall.
• The Met Office predicts up to 80mm of rain in some English areas and 100-150mm on higher ground in Wales, with some locations potentially receiving a month's worth of rain in 24 hours.
• The severe weather is expected to cause widespread disruption, including potential power cuts, travel delays, and damage to buildings, exacerbated by strong easterly winds and thunderstorms.
• Authorities, including the Environment Agency and floods minister Emma Hardy, are preparing for significant surface water and river flooding, with numerous flood warnings and alerts in place across the UK.
• The AA and National Rail have advised against non-essential travel and urged passengers to check for disruptions, as conditions are hazardous and floodwaters can be dangerous.