What is the location of the flooding?
Since November 13, 2025, Storm Claudia, named by Spain’s AEMET, has caused severe flooding across western Europe. The worst impacts are now concentrated in the UK (especially Wales and parts of England), Portugal, and Ireland.
In Monmouth, Wales, a major incident was declared after the River Monnow burst its banks, flooding most of the town center and surrounding communities. Severe flooding has also occurred in Cumbria, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Norfolk, with disruption extending across England and Wales.
Portugal continues to face extreme conditions, including a deadly tornado in Albufeira and heavy flooding in Santa Maria da Feira and Vila do Conde.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The areas that have reportedly been affected by Storm Claudia include:
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Portugal: Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém.
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United Kingdom: Monmouth, Southeast Wales, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Norfolk.
- Ireland: Portarlington, Wexford.
These regions have experienced the most significant impacts, with emergency services responding to rising waters, road disruptions, and localized evacuations (1).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Flooding response operations remain active across the UK. In Wales, rescues and evacuations continued through the weekend, with emergency crews managing over 80 flood-related incidents. River levels on the Monnow reached record highs, surpassing those seen during Storm Dennis in 2020. In England, 57 properties have been confirmed flooded, with river levels slowly falling, though minor impacts may persist along the Severn, Trent, Ouse, and Don (2).
Meanwhile, Portugal’s emergency services continue recovery operations following three weather-related deaths, dozens of injuries, and extensive property damage. As Storm Claudia clears, a cold Arctic air mass is moving in, bringing frost, ice, and possible snow, which may further complicate ongoing recovery efforts (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
No nationwide evacuations, but targeted rescues and evacuations occurred in Monmouth and other Welsh communities. Current alerts include:
- UK: Seven flood alerts in Wales; 26 flood warnings in England. Cold weather alert active for Midlands and northern England until Friday.
- Portugal: Multiple amber/yellow warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and coastal hazards.
Authorities continue urging residents to avoid travel, monitor alerts, and prepare emergency supplies (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
