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Preparing for winter in Monmouthshire

Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby says: "A year on from the devastating floods brought by Storm Claudia, many residents will still remember the frightening speed at which water rose on our rivers, the damage it caused and the disruption it brought to communities in Monmouth, Abergavenny and in Skenfrith.

"With climate change bringing unprecedented challenges, sadly, no amount of preparation can completely prevent flooding on the scale we experienced in Monmouth last November. However, what we can do, and what we are committed to doing, is work proactively throughout the year to reduce risk, improve resilience and ensure we are as prepared as possible when severe weather strikes.

"That work never stops.

"Across Monmouthshire, our teams are carrying out an extensive programme of drainage, gully and culvert maintenance to help keep water flowing and reduce the likelihood of localised flooding. This includes clearing and restoring roadside ditches and drainage channels in communities such as Skenfrith, Llanwenarth and Penallt, drainage improvements on Church Road, Maesygwartha, and ongoing maintenance at more than 30 locations known to be vulnerable to flooding across the county.

"Many of these are the kinds of jobs people never see. A cleared culvert, a maintained ditch or a working drain rarely attracts attention when everything is functioning as it should. Yet these routine interventions play a vital role in protecting homes, businesses, roads and communities.

"This year, additional investment in this work is already making a noticeable difference. We've identified key routes that are particularly vulnerable during the autumn leaf-fall period and are deploying extra resources where they will have the greatest impact.

"Preparation is about more than infrastructure. Earlier this autumn, more than 100 colleagues from across the council attended an adverse weather preparedness session, helping to strengthen our response should severe weather occur this winter. We're also reviewing how we can further enhance our out-of-hours resilience arrangements, ensuring frontline services can respond quickly and effectively when communities need support.

"Monmouthshire is at its best when it's united. As our teams work relentlessly to ensure we're as prepared as possible, I'd ask you to also be as prepared as you can be too.

"On the council's website there's practical advice. The more prepared you are, the more equipped you would be to cope with the effects of flooding, storms or even power cuts should they happen. You can find lots of information on the council website at Planning For Emergencies - Monmouthshire

"In addition, you may have seen the UK Government's 'Be Ready' messaging recently. It advises us all to make sure we keep three days' worth of essentials, including canned food, water, batteries, torches, etc., that could be used in an emergency. While we all hope this will never be needed, I would absolutely recommend that you read the advice and Be Ready - Be Ready

"Partnership working also remains essential. We continue to work closely with Natural Resources Wales, neighbouring agencies, trunk road partners and local landowners to maintain rivers, clear vegetation and tackle debris that can contribute to flooding.

"We know flooding causes anxiety. While we cannot eliminate the risk entirely, I want residents to know that Monmouthshire County Council is taking practical, proactive action every day to reduce that risk and prepare for the months ahead.

"As winter approaches, that commitment remains stronger than ever. Let's work together to face winter, and whatever it might bring, united."

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby
Leader, Monmouthshire County Council

Published 30 October 2026

Preparing for winter in Monmouthshire

Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby says: "A year on from the devastating floods brought by Storm Claudia, many residents will still remember the frightening speed at which water rose on our rivers, the damage it caused and the disruption it brought to communities in Monmouth, Abergavenny and in Skenfrith.

"With climate change bringing unprecedented challenges, sadly, no amount of preparation can completely prevent flooding on the scale we experienced in Monmouth last November. However, what we can do, and what we are committed to doing, is work proactively throughout the year to reduce risk, improve resilience and ensure we are as prepared as possible when severe weather strikes.

"That work never stops.

"Across Monmouthshire, our teams are carrying out an extensive programme of drainage, gully and culvert maintenance to help keep water flowing and reduce the likelihood of localised flooding. This includes clearing and restoring roadside ditches and drainage channels in communities such as Skenfrith, Llanwenarth and Penallt, drainage improvements on Church Road, Maesygwartha, and ongoing maintenance at more than 30 locations known to be vulnerable to flooding across the county.

"Many of these are the kinds of jobs people never see. A cleared culvert, a maintained ditch or a working drain rarely attracts attention when everything is functioning as it should. Yet these routine interventions play a vital role in protecting homes, businesses, roads and communities.

"This year, additional investment in this work is already making a noticeable difference. We've identified key routes that are particularly vulnerable during the autumn leaf-fall period and are deploying extra resources where they will have the greatest impact.

"Preparation is about more than infrastructure. Earlier this autumn, more than 100 colleagues from across the council attended an adverse weather preparedness session, helping to strengthen our response should severe weather occur this winter. We're also reviewing how we can further enhance our out-of-hours resilience arrangements, ensuring frontline services can respond quickly and effectively when communities need support.

"Monmouthshire is at its best when it's united. As our teams work relentlessly to ensure we're as prepared as possible, I'd ask you to also be as prepared as you can be too.

"On the council's website there's practical advice. The more prepared you are, the more equipped you would be to cope with the effects of flooding, storms or even power cuts should they happen. You can find lots of information on the council website at Planning For Emergencies - Monmouthshire

"In addition, you may have seen the UK Government's 'Be Ready' messaging recently. It advises us all to make sure we keep three days' worth of essentials, including canned food, water, batteries, torches, etc., that could be used in an emergency. While we all hope this will never be needed, I would absolutely recommend that you read the advice and Be Ready - Be Ready

"Partnership working also remains essential. We continue to work closely with Natural Resources Wales, neighbouring agencies, trunk road partners and local landowners to maintain rivers, clear vegetation and tackle debris that can contribute to flooding.

"We know flooding causes anxiety. While we cannot eliminate the risk entirely, I want residents to know that Monmouthshire County Council is taking practical, proactive action every day to reduce that risk and prepare for the months ahead.

"As winter approaches, that commitment remains stronger than ever. Let's work together to face winter, and whatever it might bring, united."

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby
Leader, Monmouthshire County Council

Published 30 October 2026

Page last updated: 30 Oct 2026, 09:16 AM