Natural Resources Wales - Flooding Matters

Wales experienced a succession of high impact storms and prolonged rainfall during late 2025. Storm Benjamin, Storm Claudia, and Storm Bram, combined with sustained wet conditions, caused widespread and repeated flooding. Communities, particularly across South East, South West and parts of central Wales, faced severe disruption, flooded properties, and dealing with recovery. 

What Happened? 

• Storm Benjamin brought heavy rain and strong winds and left the ground saturated across Wales going into November, increasing the risk of flooding when further storms arrived.  

• Storm Claudia brought a month’s worth of rain in just a few days, leading to severe flooding in Monmouth, as a result of overtopping from the River Monnow for the first time since the defences were constructed in 1991. 

• At the end of November, following Met Office weather warnings, there were over 40 flood alerts and warnings across Wales.  

• Storm Bram in early December caused further widespread flooding, communities across South Wales faced rescues due to stranded vehicles, and rail lines were closed due to flooded or unstable ground.  

Wales experienced disruption at the start of 2026 as Storm Chandra brought heavy rain, strong winds and a heightened risk of flooding, prompting weather warnings. Multiple flood warnings and alerts were issued as prolonged rainfall on already saturated ground led to flooding of low‑lying land, riverside roads and some properties across several catchments.The recent weather period demonstrates how multiple storms on saturated catchments can elevate flood risk quickly and repeatedly.  As weather patterns become more unpredictable, community preparedness is more important than ever.  

Here are steps everyone can take: 

• Know if your area is at risk of flooding – check your flood risk 

• Sign up for free flood warnings and monitor Met Office weather alerts. 

• Have a personal flood plan - keep essential items, medication, and documents somewhere accessible. 

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater. 

• Check on neighbours who may need extra support. 

We always appreciate it if you can provide us with local flood impact information so we can continually improve the timeliness and accuracy of our Flood Warning Service and our resilience advice to those at risk. For example:

• Do you have photos with specific locations taken during or after the flooding, that you would be willing to share?  If they are dated and time stamped this would be helpful.

• Were there any actions from your flood plan, where you realised that you needed to make changes? Would you be willing to share anything you’ve learnt?