'Prepare for the unthinkable' warning over autumn flooding

Flood response teams in Wales are sounding the alarm about a heightened risk of flooding over the autumn months. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) warns that long-range forecasts suggest a wetter, windier weather pattern than usual, raising concerns among residents in flood-prone areas. One in seven properties in Wales is at risk of flooding, but only 27% of those eligible to receive alerts via phone or email are currently signed up.

Recent major floods in Wales, often triggered by powerful storms, have highlighted the vulnerability of the country's geography, characterized by a vast coastline and fast-responding rivers in regions like the south Wales valleys. The threat comes from both rivers and the sea, with surface water flooding becoming an increasing concern due to heavy downpours overwhelming local drainage systems.

Residents have expressed worry about the potential for sudden and devastating flooding. In Monmouth, witnesses described harrowing scenes when major flooding hit in November 2025, with 18 cars lost to floodwaters and houses inundated. Imogen Elliot, 82, noted the changing winters and the importance of preparing for such events. Jane Roche, a café and fishmonger in Cardigan, has coordinated a community flood plan, emphasizing the need for residents to understand and act on flood warnings.

Climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense weather extremes, with the upcoming El Niño event over the Pacific Ocean potentially exacerbating the risks. While NRW invests in flood defenses, they stress that people must also prepare themselves and consider the unthinkable. Only 48,844 out of 181,158 properties in Wales are currently signed up for flood warnings, despite the organization's advice to check flood risk online and sign up for alerts.

Local authorities, such as Cardigan's mayor Olwen Davies, have taken proactive steps to protect their homes against recurring flooding.