Storm Babet floods around 160 properties across North and Mid Wales

Storm Babet affected Wales between 18 and 21 October 2023, triggering 46 flood warnings of varying levels in a 48-hour period and flooding approximately 160 properties in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and Powys, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW)¹. NRW describes it as the third wettest independent three-day period across the whole of England and Wales since 1891¹.

Transport was affected as roads and railways were flooded and many schools were forced to close, NRW reports. In some areas properties were evacuated as a result of the heavy rain and rising floods¹. A severe flood warning, meaning that there is a danger to life, was issued for Llandrinio, Powys, covering the area where the Severn and Vyrnwy rivers meet¹.

The storm came in a wetter than usual year. NRW records 12 named storms between April 2023 and March 2024, and states that the period October 2023 to March 2024 was the second wettest winter ever in the UK, according to the Met Office¹. The Met Office analysis cited by NRW shows 20% more rainfall, and rainfall 15% more intense, due to climate change¹. NRW also reports that more flood alerts were issued during 2023/24 than in any of the previous three years¹.

The same report sets out the wider flood picture in Wales. NRW estimates 272,817 properties are at risk of flooding, approximately 1 in 7 properties in Wales, and states that as of April 2024 the undefended sum of properties at risk is 340,046¹. Its network of flood defences benefits 102,000 properties across Wales¹. The report also records that a severe flood warning was issued for the River Ritec in Tenby during Storm Ciaran (31 October to 1 November 2023) as the river reached record levels, and that advice given by NRW led to the evacuation of over 900 people from the Kiln Park Holiday site¹. During Storm Henk on 2 January 2024, NRW issued 30 flood warnings and 40 flood alerts across Wales¹.

Why it matters for households

The flooding fell across five council areas in North and Mid Wales, and NRW's figures show how quickly warnings can escalate: 46 in 48 hours during Babet, with a severe warning, the level that signals danger to life, issued for one Powys community. NRW's report states that its flood defences reduced risk for thousands of people during the winter's storms, but that several rivers reached worryingly high and sometimes record-breaking levels¹. NRW publishes flood alerts and warnings for Wales, and its report notes improvements to its flood forecasting and warning service during the year¹. The report does not set out household-level advice for this event; its account is of NRW's own response, including warnings issued and evacuations supported.

What happens next

NRW published its updated Flood Risk Management Plan in November 2023, setting out priorities for managing flood risk over the next six years¹. In January 2024 it published a report on the level of investment required in flood defences to manage Wales' future flood risk from rivers and the sea against a changing climate¹. The report also records the completion of a flood alleviation scheme in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, protecting 223 properties, and that a new and updated Flood Warning Service would enter operation in the summer¹.

Households can read about Flood Alerts, Flood Warnings and Severe Flood Warnings, Wales: Natural Resources Wales Warnings and Risk Maps and how to sign up for free flood warnings. NRW's checklist for when a flood warning is issued and the guidance on home insurance in a flood risk area and Flood Re cover the practical side; the flooding hub links the rest.