Storm Claudia: When rain will end in Peterborough as storm drenches city and help is available for rough sleepers
Peterborough has been drenched in a deluge of rain today (Friday) as Storm Claudia arrived in the city.
An amber weather warning for heavy rain that could lead to flooding was issued for Peterborough, with the warning lasting until midnight tonight.
A yellow warning for heavy rain, in place simultaneously with the amber warning, lasts until 6am on Saturday.
The warning says: “Storm Claudia, previously named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, will bring rain that will become persistent and heavy during Friday. 40-60 mm of rain is expected widely across this region with some places seeing around 80 mm; these higher accumulations more probable across the East Midlands, and higher ground in Wales and western England. Impacts may be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, as well as thunderstorms later Friday afternoon and evening.”
Peterborough avoided major disruption on Friday morning – but the rain continues to fall, leading to the possibility of disruption into the afternoon and evening.
There are no flood alerts or warnings that have been issued for Peterborough so far today.
The River Nene is high in the city centre, but has not burst its banks.
The Met Office forecast says the first time that the chance of rain drops below 50 per cent in Peterborough is 5am on Saturday morning.
The chance of rain then does not rise above 50 per cent for the rest of the Met Office forecast, which runs until Thursday.
While the Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) – which provides accommodation for rough sleepers during bad weather - has not been activated by the city council, a spokesperson said work was being done to provide extra assistance for rough sleepers.
The spokesperson said: “The Rough Sleeper Team has increased its outreach efforts and will continue operating throughout this period (the amber weather warning). Their focus so far has been on areas most vulnerable to flooding, as well as all known and reported outreach locations. This work will continue into the evening to ensure that anyone at risk is offered emergency accommodation.”