Storm Claudia: Life-threatening Flooding in Monmouth Prompts Major Incident and Dozens of Rescues

Storm Claudia brings life-threatening flooding to Monmouth

Storm Claudia swept through Monmouthshire overnight, triggering a major incident and dozens of water rescues after vehicles and homes were overwhelmed by fast-flowing floodwater. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, working with Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Monmouthshire County Council, has carried out multiple evacuations, welfare checks and around 85 flood-related responses.

Harrowing rescue on submerged Range Rover

Bethan Turner described a terrifying rescue in which she, her father and her boyfriend were forced onto the roof of their submerged Range Rover after the vehicle was swept into the current. Her father had been driving back to Abergavenny from Hereford station when the 4x4 became immobilised.

'The second the car stopped, my dad yelled for us to all climb on to the roof,' Turner recalled. 'The water was up to the windows. The firefighters were saying under no circumstances get in the water. We were just stood on top of it… We're holding on to a tree that we're sort of wedged into.'

Fire crews initially could not reach them on foot because the water was too deep and strong; rescuers later located the family by boat and took them to a nearby pub where volunteers provided clothes and shelter.

Scale of the emergency

• South Wales Fire and Rescue reported about 85 flooding incidents and evacuations.
• Natural Resources Wales issued four severe flood warnings for the area, warning of a 'significant risk to life'.
• Approximately 685 homes were without power that could not be safely restored because of floodwater.

The severe warnings specifically cover the River Wye at Monmouth and sections of the River Monnow at Watery Lane, Over Monnow; Forge Road, Osbaston; and Skenfrith.

Official response and community impact

First Minister Eluned Morgan and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies praised emergency responders for 'working tirelessly in dreadful conditions to keep people safe.' Monmouth MP Catherine Fookes and local councillor Martin Newell described the scenes as devastating, with Newell saying he had not seen flooding on this scale in 20 to 30 years.

Monmouthshire County Council said staff were supporting blue light services, assessing damage and preparing a clean-up plan. Council leader Mary Ann Brockelsbury said officials had prepared for Storm Claudia but did not expect the Monnow to breach its banks to this extent.

Residents reported dramatic evacuations: Susie Martinez and her two young sons were pulled from their flat by boat in the early hours, while local shop owner Catherine Hall described 'thousands and thousands' of pounds of lost stock just weeks before Christmas.

Transport disruption

Transport for Wales warned that several rail services are suspended because of flooding and advised customers not to attempt travel between Shrewsbury and Newport; the Conwy Valley line is also closed. Replacement road transport could not be guaranteed for affected routes.

Emergency services and local authorities remain on the ground as communities begin to assess damage and start the recovery and clean-up process.