Flooding in Monmouth declared a 'major incident'
Teams have been carrying out rescues, evacuations, welfare checks, and moving residents from affected areas to places of safety
Last updated 15th Nov 2025
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident in Monmouth following severe and widespread flooding across the town and surrounding communities.
At 1.30 a.m. this morning (15th November), a major incident was declared due to the flooding as a result of Storm Claudia.
Crews are working throughout the area alongside Gwent Police, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS University Trust (WAST), SARA, Mountain Rescue, the Coastguard, and colleagues from neighbouring fire and rescue services who have provided additional support.
Teams have been carrying out rescues, evacuations, welfare checks, and moving residents from affected areas to places of safety.
Activity is ongoing and conditions remain challenging due to fast-moving water, blocked routes, and continued pressure on local infrastructure.
Area Manager Matt Jones commented: “This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected.
"I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism and care they continue to show in very difficult circumstances.
"I would urge the public to avoid the Monmouth area completely where possible. The flooding is significant, and we need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most.
"If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999.”
Monmouthshire County Council reported a number of road closures and urged people not to drive.
A spokesman said: "Due to the severity of the flooding in Monmouth and the ongoing operation there, we would ask that people avoid trying to get into town or make unnecessary journeys at this time."
National Rail also told passengers in England and Wales to check before they travel, saying some services could be disrupted.
It comes as Storm Claudia, which brought heavy downpours that battered parts of England and Wales on Friday, is set to be replaced with below-freezing temperatures as a yellow alert for cold weather was issued.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the cold weather warning for parts of the Midlands and northern England from Monday, and the Environment Agency has warned flooding will continue throughout the weekend.
The cold weather alert is in place from 8am on Monday November 17 until 8am on Friday November 21 and covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber.
Storm Claudia was named by the Spanish Meteorological Agency and brought heavy rain and strong winds to Spain and Portugal this week.
Response from politicians
The First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies say Storm Claudia has caused 'significant flooding'.
Welsh Conservative Monmouth Senedd member, Peter Fox MS, said:
“The situation in Monmouthshire is extremely bad. I personally haven’t seen it so bad for probably 40 years, certainly in Monmouth since defences were put in place there. My heart goes out to all those affected so badly, it was terrible seeing the devastating scenes as they unfolded.
“I want to pay tribute to the many emergency services and Monmouthshire County Council teams who have been flat out throughout the night and continue to do so.
“The coming days, weeks and months will be very challenging, and I and my office stand ready to help in whatever way we can.
“I will be calling on the Welsh Government immediately to make available whatever support they can for effected residents, businesses and communities.
“For the time being my advice to the wider community is keep away from badly affected areas, don’t put yourselves at risk which would put more pressure on stretched emergency services.”
Monmouthshire County Council leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby has been meeting teams responding to the incident.
Call for donations
Monmouth Town Council has set up a donation centre for people to drop off items, to help those affected by the flooding.