Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Dozens Evacuated in Wales as Storm Claudia Hits UK
A big storm called Claudia brought lots of rain to the UK and Ireland.
In a town in Wales called Monmouth, a river called the Monnow got so full it overflowed its banks.
This made the streets look like rivers, and cars and shops were underwater.
Many people had to leave their homes to stay safe.
The storm also caused winds that knocked down trees, which blocked roads and stopped trains from running.
Some people lost electricity.
Even though the rain stopped, some rivers were still rising, and a cold snap with freezing temperatures was expected next.
Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes in Monmouth, Wales, due to severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia.
The River Monnow overflowed its banks, reaching a record level and submerging roads, cars, and businesses in Monmouth.
Nearly 12 cm (4.7 inches) of rain fell in southeast Wales overnight, contributing to the widespread flooding.
Storm Claudia also brought damaging winds that downed trees, disrupted rail services, and caused power outages for thousands.
Flooding was also reported in Ireland, with some rivers still expected to rise and a cold spell with subfreezing temperatures anticipated.
Flood defenses in Monmouth, in place for about 40 years, were overwhelmed by the extent of the flooding.
- Who
- Dozens of people, emergency services
- What
- Evacuations and rescues due to severe flooding from Storm Claudia
- When
- Overnight, with flood warnings remaining on Saturday afternoon
- Where
- Wales (Monmouth), parts of the UK and Ireland
- Why
- Record high levels of the River Monnow overflowing its banks due to heavy rainfall from Storm Claudia
- Rainfall in Southeast Wales
- Nearly 12 centimeters (4.7 inches)
- Affected Towns
- Monmouth, Wales; Portarlington, Ireland
- River Involved
- River Monnow
- Flood Warnings in England
- Around 50
- Impacts
- Evacuations, submerged cars and businesses, rail disruptions, power outages, downed trees, blocked roads