Storm Claudia latest: Major incident declared due to severe flooding

Here are the latest images from Monmouth showing cars, homes and businesses are all submerged in water.

Emergency crews can be seen wading through the water on Monnow Street to reach those cut off by the floods.

The Welsh Government has asked all of those affected by flooding to stay safe, keep up to date with advice from emergency services and check on vulnerable neighbours.

A spokesperson said: "Storm Claudia has caused significant flooding in parts of Wales overnight, which continues to affect homes, businesses, transport and energy infrastructure.

“If you are affected, please follow official advice from NRW (Natural Resources Wales), emergency services and your local authority.”

Those who have been "working tirelessly in dreadful conditions to keep people" were also thanked, along with communities who are helping neighbours.

Storm Claudia has brought heavy rain and flooding to parts of the UK, with the Met Office noting that one Leicestershire town has seen almost 100mm of rainfall alone since yesterday morning.

It says Mount St Bernard Abbey, near Coalville, recorded 96mm, while Bethesda Quarry, in north Wales, has had 71mm of rainfall.

Here are the latest scenes in Monmouth this morning, where a major incident has been declared due to severe flooding.

Multiple properties and businesses have been affected, with emergency crews working throughout the night and into the morning.

Footage shows a tractor helping to transport people through Ewyas Harold - an English village on the Welsh border - last night after it experienced record flood levels of just over 3m.

Power outages have been reported and floods have hit some areas of Ireland after Storm Claudia moved over the island.

Thousands of homes and businesses were without power this morning as rain weather warnings lifted.

A status orange rain warning was in place for counties Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow until 8am, while a status yellow rain warning was in place in 10 other counties, mostly along the east and south coasts.

Stena Line said that some ferry services on Friday had been cancelled due to adverse weather.

In Northern Ireland, a yellow-level rain warning is in place in counties Armagh and Down until noon on Saturday, bringing a risk of flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.

Laura Anne Jones, Welsh MS for South Wales East, has shared an update on X this morning.

She says it's "heartbreaking to see the devastation to homes and businesses" in the area and thanks those helping others and making areas safe throughout the night.

"If you are trying to get in touch with family members in Monmouth, electricity has been down and people have been evacuated to the Leisure Centre," she adds.

Here's some of the latest footage showing people in Wales and England battling the flooding caused by Storm Claudia.

In Monmouth, where a major incident has been declared, officials have urged the public to avoid the area completely where possible.

"The flooding is significant, and we need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most," South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

As of 6am, Natural Resources Wales issued four severe flood warnings - meaning "significant risk to life and significant disruption to the community is expected".

These are in effect along the River Monnow in Skenfrith, Osbaston and Over Monnow, as well as the River Wye at Monmouth.

Monmouthshire County Council has urged residents to avoid travelling.

A further eight flood warnings and 39 flood alerts have been issued across Wales, while 81 flood warnings and 187 flood alerts have also been issued across England.

A yellow alert for cold weather has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alert is in place from 8am on Monday 17 November until 8am on Friday 21 November.

Ireland's meteorological service, Met Eireann, has also issued weather warnings, with significant rain likely in the southeast for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow into Saturday morning.

It warns that significant flooding is possible, along with hazardous travel conditions.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident at 1.30am this morning in Monmouth following severe and widespread flooding.

Officials said crews were working alongside Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, lifeboat and mountain rescue, the coastguard and neighbouring fire and rescue services.

Area Manager Matt Jones commented: "This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected. I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism and care they continue to show in very difficult circumstances.

"I would urge the public to avoid the Monmouth area completely. The flooding is significant, and we need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most. If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999."