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Photo Ben Birchall\/PA Wire<\/p>\n Photo Ben Birchall\/PA Wire<\/p>\n
Nation.Cymru staff<\/p>\n
People across Wales are being urged to prepare for flooding after a summer of drought and wildfires, with the Met Office indicating an increased likelihood of wetter and windier conditions this autumn.<\/p>\n
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says one in seven homes and businesses in Wales is at risk of flooding and is warning that prolonged dry weather should not lead to complacency.<\/p>\n
The call comes as NRW launches its annual Be Flood Ready campaign, encouraging people to check their risk, sign up for free flood warnings and make plans before severe weather arrives.<\/p>\n
Jeremy Parr, NRW\u2019s head of flood and incident risk management, said communities were still dealing with the effects of last winter\u2019s storms as well as this summer\u2019s extremes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a dry summer, flood risk may not be at the forefront of people\u2019s minds, but the change in seasons can bring very different weather conditions very quickly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because you\u2019ve never experienced flooding before doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re not at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cTime and time again, many people who experience devastating flooding in their homes tell us they\u2019d never flooded before, and didn\u2019t think it would happen to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Met Office\u2019s outlook for autumn and early winter suggests wetter, windier and milder conditions than average are more likely, although dry and settled periods are still expected.<\/p>\n
Sarah Davies, the Met Office\u2019s head of environment and energy, stressed that the outlook does not predict individual storms.<\/p>\n
\u201cWeather 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
NRW says flood defences can reduce the danger but cannot remove it entirely, and engineering schemes are not feasible everywhere.<\/p>\n
It is encouraging communities to develop flood plans identifying local risks, ways to support vulnerable neighbours and practical steps to take before, during and after flooding.<\/p>\n
In Cardigan, residents have already drawn up a plan for an area beside the River Teifi.<\/p>\n
Jane Roche, who runs a caf\u00e9 and fishmongers on the riverbank, helped coordinate the work.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiving and working beside the Teifi, flooding is something we\u2019ve learned to live alongside for many years. We\u2019ve seen first-hand the disruption it can cause for businesses, residents and visitors,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeveloping a Community Flood Plan has brought local people together, helped us understand what actions we need to take when warnings are issued and given us confidence that we\u2019ll be able to support one another when severe weather is forecast.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cHaving a plan before you need it is far better than trying to make decisions when the water is already rising.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tidal flood scheme<\/p>\n
NRW is also proposing a tidal flood scheme in Cardigan intended to reduce the risk to around 90 properties.<\/p>\n
The proposals include a new flood wall, improvements along The Strand and new intertidal habitat, with protection for homes, businesses and infrastructure along the river.<\/p>\n
Residents across Wales can check their flood risk by postcode, register for free warnings and find advice on preparing a flood plan at naturalresources.wales\/flooding<\/a>.<\/p>\n Support our Nation today<\/p>\n For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an Get more trusted Welsh news<\/p>\n Choose Nation.Cymru as a preferred source in Google News to see more of our journalism.\n <\/p>\n
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