Drivers are being urged to fill up their car with petrol or diesel before Friday as Storm Claudia brings severe downpours with possible flooding and a ‘danger to life’ warning being issued for parts of the UK.
The Met Office is warning drivers not to travel if they can avoid it, thanks to heavy rain from midday on Friday. The forecaster issued an amber weather warning for 12 hours affecting the Midlands area of England as well as south Wales.
The forecaster has issued a yellow weather warning covering a 24-hour period in the UK starting at 6am on Friday, November 14 and continuing until 6am on Saturday, November 15, citing heavy rain.
The warning crosses most of the south of England and Wales including London, as well as parts of Yorkshire. On top of the yellow warning, a more serious amber warning has been issued for Friday, from midday to midnight, as Storm Claudia brings heavy rain disruption across the Midlands.
The Met Office says that both the yellow weather warning and the amber warning could bring power cuts to the affected areas, as well as a danger to life and travel disruption and road closures.
It warned drivers: “Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously.”
The RAC, in its guidance on driving in wet weather, urges people to fill up their cars before they travel. This is because if you get stuck in traffic, you will increase your fuel consumption and could run out sooner than you planned.
It says: “Firstly it is always advisable to consider before you set off whether your journey is essential.
“If not, can it be delayed until after the rain has subsided? If so then plan your journey in advance, taking care to avoid areas which are prone to flooding, and factor in extra time to allow for slower speeds and potential congestion.
“Check that your windscreen wiper blades are fully functional. If both front and back blades are not up to scratch, get them replaced.
“Try to fill up with fuel before you travel, as getting stuck in traffic will increase your fuel consumption - remember, with the lights, heater and wipers switched on, your fuel economy will be reduced even further.
“Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts.
“Carry a mobile phone in case you encounter any difficulties during your journey.”