Flood warnings as Storm Claudio continues to batter UK with 65mph winds and more than an inch of rain today

FLOOD warnings have been issued as Storm Claudio continues to batter the UK with 65mph gusts and more than an inch of rain today.

The French storm brought heavy downpours on Tuesday as flash floods derailed commuters and caused havoc.

And wet and “very windy” conditions are expected to linger as Brits feel the force of the powerful storm.

The Met Office has warned that much of the same is forecast for today with over an inch of rain expected in some areas.

A yellow warning for rain is in place for southern Scotland from 10am until 6pm and Northern Ireland from 8am until 3pm.

The weather agency has urged those affected to be aware of potential travel disruption and flooding as a result of the forecast downpours.

Chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “30 to 40mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas, and where it falls over ground already wet from recent rainfall as well as fallen leaves there may be spray and flooding on the roads as well as travel delays.”

Meanwhile, a yellow warning for wind will be active from 7am until 10pm.

Strong gusts of up to 65mph could hit those in the most vulnerable areas.

The wild conditions are expected to affect Irish Sea coastal areas early before spreading to parts of northern England.

Mr Armstrong added: “Much of the UK can expect a spell of strong southerly winds on Wednesday, but the warning area highlights where gusts of up to 65mph will be and therefore where there are likely to be some travel delays.”

The Met Office warns delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely while short-term loss of power is also a possibility.

The Environment Agency have issued flood alerts in areas of the South East and the Midlands.

While the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Natural Resources Wales have also issued flood alerts in parts of Wales and Southern Scotland.

Rain will affect Northern Ireland and Scotland first thing but will then push eastwards to the rest of the UK by the end of the day. 

A Met Office forecast adds: “Starting fine in the east but a band of heavy rain will sweep eastwards, followed by sunny intervals and blustery showers in north-western areas.

“Very windy, especially around western coasts but also along the rain band as it moves eastwards.”

The wild weather could well continue tomorrow with the Met Office reporting that rain affecting parts of southeast England and East Anglia “could be heavy and persistent”.

Yesterday, Storm Claudio caused chaos across the nation with one of end of Brighton’s iconic West Pier even collapsing due to the wild weather.

Motorists were captured struggling to navigate through flash flooding near Poole, Dorset with vehicles at risk of being submerged.

The sweeping gales reportedly brought trees and branches crashing down on power lines.

This was also reported in Dorset, Bournemouth, where a large tree was toppled by the fierce gusts.