Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging people across Wales not to become complacent about flood risk this autumn and winter, following a summer marked by drought and wildfires1. The call comes through its annual Be Flood Ready campaign, which runs from 12 to 16 October 20261.
Communities across Wales experienced flooding and storms last winter, before prolonged dry conditions, drought and significant wildfires affected many parts of the country during the summer, according to NRW1. The agency says that with climate change continuing to bring more frequent and intense weather extremes, flood risk can quickly return as autumn and winter weather arrives1. It states that 1 in 7 homes and businesses in Wales are at risk of flooding1.
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 arrives1. It says knowing what to do before flooding happens can make a significant difference to reducing impacts on people, homes and businesses1. Ahead of the autumn and winter storm season, NRW lists three steps for everyone: check your flood risk by postcode online, sign up for flood warnings, and know what to do if flooding is forecast1.
"NRW is reminding people that flood risk can quickly return as autumn and winter weather arrives"
The announcement was published by Business Wales on 14 October 2026 and last updated on 15 October 20261. The Business Wales helpline is 03000 6 03000, with lines open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers households and businesses across Wales, where NRW puts the share at risk of flooding at 1 in 71. The practical message from the agency is that a dry summer does not reduce the risk once autumn and winter weather arrives, and that preparation before severe weather can reduce the impact on people, homes and businesses1. NRW's stated steps for households are to check flood risk by postcode, sign up for free flood warnings and find out what to do if flooding is forecast1. The campaign runs from 12 to 16 October 20261. Further detail on warnings and risk maps for Wales is set out in the guide to Wales: Natural Resources Wales warnings and risk maps, and the levels of alert are explained in flood alerts, flood warnings and severe flood warnings. Households preparing for the season can find wider material in the flooding hub, and those affected after an event can refer to guidance on returning home safely after a flood, making an insurance claim and home insurance in a flood risk area and Flood Re.
What happens next
The Be Flood Ready campaign runs from 12 to 16 October 20261. No further dates beyond the campaign week have been reported.
Sources (1)
- After a year of weather extremes, NRW urges people across Wales to ‘Be Flood Ready’ | Business Wales, businesswales.gov.wales
Wales Flood Warnings and Maps
