Weather warning upgraded to Amber

Half of the original Yellow Warning for rain tomorrow that was issued by the Met Office has been upgraded to an Amber Warning this lunch time.

Storm Claudia is due to bring heavy rain into the area from 6am, but the Amber Warning kicks in for 12 hours from noon, before easing back to a Yellow at midnight until 6am on Saturday morning.

An Amber Warning means we can expect widespread flooding and disruption.

Here is what the Met Office tells us an Amber Warning can bring:

• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
• Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
• Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses possible