Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has urged people in south-east and mid Wales to take precautions, with the risk of flooding and disruption from heavy rain expected to begin on Friday, November 14 and continue into Saturday, November 15.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain for south-east and mid Wales, effective from noon on Friday until late that night.
A yellow warning for rain covers large parts of Wales from 6am on Friday until 6am on Saturday.
NRW has warned that rivers are already swollen and the ground is saturated, increasing the likelihood of flooding.
Alun Attwood, duty tactical manager Wales at Natural Resources Wales, said: “The amber and yellow rain warnings in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday are expected to bring significant impacts across Wales.
“With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see many flood alerts and warnings issued as a result of Storm Claudia.
“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now.
“You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service.
“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk.
“If flooding is forecast in your area, we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe.”
He advises about preparing a flood kit, making sure important documents and medication are safe, and moving cars to higher grounds. The same applies to treasured possessions, with advice to move them upstairs or to a higher place.
“We also want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath,” he said.
“Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit our website for latest information on the flood warnings, and find practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.”
NRW expects to issue numerous flood alerts and warnings as river levels rise.
Flood alerts and warnings are updated every 15 minutes on the NRW website.
Information is also available by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
NRW teams have been working closely with the Flood Forecasting Centre, emergency responders, and local authorities to monitor forecasts and prepare for the expected weather.