After a year of weather extremes, NRW urges people across Wales to ‘Be Flood Ready’

Following a summer marked by drought and wildfires Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging people across Wales not to become complacent about flood risk this autumn and winter.

Communities across Wales experienced devastating flooding and storms last winter, before prolonged dry conditions, drought and significant wildfires affected many parts of the country during the summer. As climate change continues to bring more frequent and intense weather extremes, NRW is reminding people that flood risk can quickly return as autumn and winter weather arrives.

Through its annual Be Flood Ready campaign, running from 12 to 16 October, NRW is encouraging people to understand their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and take simple, practical steps now to prepare, before severe weather arrives.

With 1 in 7 homes and businesses in Wales at risk of flooding, NRW says knowing what to do before flooding happens can make a significant difference to reducing impacts on people, homes and businesses.

Before the autumn and winter storm season arrives, everyone should:

• check your flood risk by postcode online
• sign up for flood warnings
• know what to do if flooding is forecast
  

Being prepared and acting early when warnings are issued can significantly reduce the impact of flooding on people, homes and businesses.

Jeremy Parr, Head of Flood and Incident Risk Management at Natural Resources Wales, said:

"Wales is no stranger to extreme weather, and many communities will still be feeling the effects of flooding and storms experienced last winter, as well as drought and wildfires this summer.

"After a dry summer, flood risk may not be at the forefront of people's minds, but the change in seasons can bring very different weather conditions very quickly. Just because you've never experienced flooding before doesn't mean you're not at risk.

“Time and time again, many people who experience devastating flooding in their homes tell us they’d never flooded before, and didn’t think it would happen to them. Understanding your flood risk now and signing up for our free flood warning service can help you be better prepared when severe weather arrives.”

The campaign comes as the Met Office's long-range outlook for autumn indicates an increased likelihood of wetter, windier and milder conditions than normal.

Sarah Davies, Met Office Head of Environment and Energy said:

"The Met Office's outlook for autumn and early winter indicates an increased likelihood of wetter, windier and milder conditions than average, bringing a greater chance of weather-related disruption, although periods of dry and settled weather will still occur.

"Weather patterns can change quickly at this time of year, and long-range forecasts describe broad seasonal trends rather than the timing, location or severity of individual weather events. Whatever the season, understanding your flood risk and knowing what action to take if warnings are issued are sensible steps that can help you prepare should severe weather occur."

Preparing for flooding starts with knowing your risk, but building resilience requires action at every level – by governments, by organisations like NRW, Local Authorities and water companies, but also by those at risk of flooding.

NRW continues to invest in flood risk management schemes designed to reduce flood risk to communities where engineering solutions are feasible and can provide long-term benefits.

One example is the proposed tidal flood risk management scheme in Cardigan, which aims to reduce tidal flooding affecting homes, businesses and infrastructure along The Strand and the banks of the River Teifi in Ceredigion.

The proposals include a new tidal flood wall, improvements along The Strand and the creation of new areas of intertidal habitat. Together, these measures would help reduce tidal flood risk to around 90 properties while supporting the long-term resilience of the town.  

However, while flood defences and warning systems remain an important part of Wales' flood resilience toolkit, they are only part of the solution.

It is not possible to build flood defences everywhere, and climate change means communities across Wales will increasingly need to understand their risk and be prepared to respond when flooding is forecast. Flood defences can help reduce the risk of flooding, but that risk cannot be removed completely. Resilience starts with people and communities understanding their risk and knowing what action to take when warnings are issued

Community flood plans are becoming an increasingly important way of helping communities prepare for severe weather. Developed by local residents and volunteers, these plans help identify local flood risks, support vulnerable neighbours, set out practical actions before, during and after a flood, and enable communities to respond quickly when warnings are issued.

A community in Cardigan, Ceredigion is already taking action.

Local resident Jane Roche, who runs a café and fishmongers on the banks of the River Teifi and has helped coordinate a community flood plan for the area, says being prepared is essential.

Jane Roche said:

"Living and working beside the Teifi, flooding is something we've learned to live alongside for many years. We've seen first-hand the disruption it can cause for businesses, residents and visitors.

"We know not every flood can be prevented, but we can be much better prepared for them. Developing a Community Flood Plan has brought local people together, helped us understand what actions we need to take when warnings are issued and given us confidence that we'll be able to support one another when severe weather is forecast.

"I'd encourage other communities to do the same. Having a plan before you need it is far better than trying to make decisions when the water is already rising."

NRW supports communities across Wales to develop community flood plans and encourages residents to get involved with local flood groups where they exist. While major investment in flood risk management infrastructure will continue to play a vital role in protecting communities, local preparedness and community action are equally important parts of becoming more resilient to future flooding.

Jeremy Parr from NRW added:

"Flood defences will always be part of our plans to reduce flood risk to communities -  but resilience starts with being prepared. We cannot eliminate flood risk everywhere. That's why community resilience is so important. Understanding your flood risk, signing up for warnings and having a plan in place can make a real difference when flooding is forecast."

There are practical steps people can take to know their flood risk and prepare for flooding. People can check their flood risk on the NRW website through our simple postcode checker, sign up for the free flood warning , and find important information on how to prepare a flood plan and find out what to do in a flood.

For more information visit NRW's flooding pages naturalresources.wales/flooding.