Flooding risk rises in north Powys

Thousands of properties in north Powys, including Newtown and Welshpool, are at risk of flooding as incidents increase and a new approach to managing the threat is developed, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has said.

New figures show around 31,000 properties across Mid and West Wales are at risk, the majority from river flooding. While the data covers the full service area, communities in Montgomeryshire, including along the Severn corridor through Newtown and Welshpool, remain particularly exposed during periods of sustained rainfall.

Fire crews attend around 300 water rescues and flooding-related incidents each year, with activity peaking between October and February. The service said the third quarter of 2025 to 2026 was the busiest for flooding incidents since 2017 to 2018, with further spikes recorded in February 2020 and November 2025.

The service warned that heavier rainfall and prolonged weather events are increasing both the frequency and impact of flooding, putting pressure on emergency response and raising risks to homes, infrastructure and public safety.

Operational data also shows that while specialist water rescue teams are regularly mobilised, boats are only used in around 15 per cent of incidents, reflecting the growing number of shallow flooding events affecting roads and properties.

In response, the service has set out a new approach to flooding, developed through a series of workshops involving staff, emergency services and partner organisations. The review concluded that existing “one size fits all” arrangements are no longer sufficient.

The proposed approach focuses on prevention, protection, response and recovery, with a shift towards reducing flood risk before incidents occur, alongside strengthening emergency capability.

Measures being considered include increased public awareness in flood-prone areas such as Newtown and Welshpool, improved training and preparedness for crews, better equipment and welfare support for firefighters, and more use of data and technology to target high-risk locations.

There is also a greater emphasis on recovery, including follow-up support for affected residents and improved understanding of the causes of flooding to help prevent repeat incidents.

The proposals are now being considered by the service’s leadership team and will inform its long-term planning, including the Community Risk Management Plan to 2040.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “By listening to our staff, partners, and communities, we’ve created practical, forward-thinking solutions that will strengthen our ability to prevent and manage flooding in Mid and West Wales.”