Major incident declared as Storm Claudia batters UK

'Heartbreaking scenes of devastation'.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident in the early hours of this morning following severe and widespread flooding, reports Sky News.

Officials said that crews were working alongside the police, the ambulance service, lifeboat and mountain rescue, the coastguard, and neighbouring fire and rescue services.

Matt Jones, Area Manager, said: "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."

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

Residents have been urged to avoid travelling.

Welsh MS for South Wales East, Laura Anne Jones, said that there are 'heartbreaking scenes of devastation' in the region.

81 flood warnings and 187 flood alerts have also been issued across England.

Ireland's, Met Eireann, have also issued weather warnings with significant rain likely.

Power cuts and flooding have been reported in Ireland.

Thousands of homes and businesses have been left without power.

And in Northern Ireland, a yellow-level warning for rain is in place in Armagh and Down until noon.