Natural Resources Wales launches campaign urging Welsh communities to prepare for flooding
Authorities are getting ready for potential issues over the autumn and winter
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is warning people across Wales not to become complacent about flood risk as autumn approaches.
Following a summer marked by drought and wildfires, NRW's Be Flood Ready campaign aims to remind communities that flood risk can quickly return as the seasons change.
The campaign runs from 12th to 16th October and encourages individuals to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings, and take steps to prepare before severe weather arrives.
Jeremy Parr, head of flood and incident risk management at NRW, highlighted the importance of preparation, even in areas that have never experienced flooding before.
Parr said, "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."
The Met Office's outlook for autumn suggests a higher likelihood of wetter, windier conditions, potentially increasing the chances of weather-related disruption.
Sarah Davies, Met Office head of environment and energy, said, "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."
NRW also continues to invest in flood risk management schemes. A proposed tidal flood risk management scheme in Cardigan aims to reduce flooding affecting homes and businesses along The Strand and the River Teifi.
Local action is encouraged, with communities urged to develop flood plans, such as one in Cardigan, Ceredigion. Jane Roche, a local café and fishmongers owner, has coordinated a community flood plan for the area and encourages others to do the same.
NRW supports communities in developing these plans, ensuring local preparedness plays an equal role alongside significant flood risk management infrastructure investments.
Jeremy Parr emphasizes the importance of having a flood plan and being prepared: "Understanding your flood risk, signing up for warnings and having a plan in place can make a real difference when flooding is forecast."
NRW provides an online postcode checker for flood risk, a free flood warning service, and information on preparing flood plans at naturalresources.wales/flooding.