Flood preparedness

One in 15 properties in Torfaen is at risk of flooding. 

The most common types of local flooding are flash floods, caused by torrential rainfall or surface water from overflowing drainage systems, and river flooding.    

The further in advance you can prepare for a flood, the better.   

Find out if your postcode is at risk of flooding - and register to receive flood warnings - by visiting the Natural Resources Wales website.

For weather alerts, visit the Met Office website.

What we’re doing 

The following actions are set out in our Local Flood Strategy: 

Monitor and maintain culverts

We maintain more than 300 culverts prioritised according to the council’s Flood Risk Strategy and Highway Asset Management Plan. Inspections are carried out according to their priority level and any debris or vegetation blocking the culvert is removed. 

Any problems, such as a collapsed culverts or damaged grills, are reported to the flood risk officer who arranges for any remedial work to be done.  

Cleanse and maintain gullies

We maintain around 15,000 gullies – also known as road drains. They are cleaned using a gully sucker. Any reported issues are referred to the highway drainage officer who assesses and prioritises any work required.   

Implement land drainage bylaws

Anyone planning to carry out structural work within eight metres of a watercourse must apply to the council for Ordinary Watercourse Consent. NB FORM 

Small watercourse surveys

We are carrying out topographical and hydrological surveys of all smaller watercourses across Torfaen. The aim is to understand where flood alleviation schemes may be beneficial.  

Natural flood management

Including the restoration of peatbogs, strengthening riverbanks, tree planting and leaky dams.  

Community engagement

We are establishing a Community Flood Network to work with organisations like community councils to establish localised flood responses. We also raise awareness of water conservation, pollution, natural flood management and flooding.   

What we can’t do  

We don’t have the resources to provide property level flood protection such as flood gates or sandbags. 

We only have a limited supply of sandbags for the protection of major roads in the event of a flood. 

We cannot deal with sewerage flooding – please contact Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.

We cannot work on private land without the permission of the landowner.   

What householders can do 

Make sure you have home and contents insurance.  

If you have been flooded before - or your property is at risk of flooding - consider investing in flood protection. Sandbags are an effective short-term solution to diverting water from doorways. Air vent covers also add a level of protection. Flood gates can prevent water from entering your garden. 

If you have suffered flooding in the past, there is advice about flood prevention and insurance on the Flood Re website.  

For general advice home and business flooding advice, visit The Flood Hub.

Montor drains outside your property and remove any obstructions like leaves on the surface of a drain. Do not enter a culvert or lift a manhole cover under any circumstances – it can be dangerous.  

Report a blocked drain  

Last Modified: 13/05/2025 Back to top