Storm Claudia Floods Monmouth: Road Closures, School Shutdowns as River Monnow Hits Record Levels

Kellan Broadhurst

16 Nov 2025

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When the River Monnow burst its banks in Monmouth, Wales, on the night of November 14, 2025, residents didn’t just see rising water—they saw their lives turn upside down. Storm Claudia, an atmospheric river event that dumped more than 12 inches of rain in 48 hours, turned streets into rivers, stranded homes, and shut down the town’s heartbeat: its roads, buses, and schools. By Sunday, November 16, Monmouthshire County Council had issued its most urgent warning in decades: “Do not travel.” This wasn’t just bad weather. It was the worst flooding the town had seen since records began.

Unprecedented Levels, Unprepared Streets

The River Monnow crested at 2.8 meters above seasonal normal—0.3 meters higher than the previous record set in January 2012. The Environment Agency for Wales confirmed the surge was fueled by a slow-moving weather system that stalled over the Welsh borders, dumping rain on already saturated ground. In Monmouth, a town nestled between the Monnow and Wye rivers, the water didn’t just overflow—it swallowed. Floodwaters reached doorsteps on Monnow Street and Priory Street, inundating at least 75 homes and dozens of small businesses. One shop owner, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve lived here 40 years. I’ve seen floods. But this? This was like the river decided to climb the walls.”

Infrastructure Collapses, Services Halt

By Saturday morning, November 15, Monmouthshire County Council had closed at least five major routes: Monmouth Town (entire center), B4347 Kentchurch Bridge, R7 Forest Coal Pit to County Boundary (due to a landslide), and the A466 between Tintern and Llandogo. Even roads that remained open, like the B4269, carried advisory signs: “Drive with care.” The Newport Bus services 60, 66, and 69—all lifelines for commuters—were suspended. The Monmouth Bus station shut down entirely.

Schools didn’t wait for the worst. On Friday, November 14, Monmouth Comprehensive School closed early at 14:15. Osbaston Primary, Overmonnow Primary, and Trefynwy Primary all dismissed students at lunchtime. Parents scrambled. One mother, Sarah Jenkins, told the BBC: “We got the text at 12:30. I was at work. I had no idea how to get home. The roads were already under water.”

Emergency Response in Motion

The Monmouthshire County Council’s emergency team, based in Usk, activated its resilience plan within hours. They coordinated with Gwent Police, the Wales Resilience Forum, and volunteers from local churches and community centers. By Saturday evening, the Welsh Fire and Rescue Service was deploying high-water vehicles. On Sunday, soldiers from Cawdor Barracks arrived with sandbags, pumps, and logistics support.

David Lewis, Director of Public Services at Monmouthshire County Council, addressed the public in a televised briefing: “This is one of the most significant weather events our county has faced in modern history. Our priority remains the safety of residents and the restoration of essential services.” He added that full road restoration could take 5 to 7 business days—meaning many commuters wouldn’t see normal traffic until late November.

A Town That Pulls Together

A Town That Pulls Together

While the council worked to clear debris, residents did the same—on their own. Facebook groups exploded with offers of help: “I’ve got a pickup and a trailer—need to move furniture?” “I’m a plumber, I’ll fix your boiler for free.” Local pubs turned into warming centers. The BBC reporter Charlotte Benton, reporting from the West Midlands, captured the spirit in her Sunday morning article: “Monmouth pulls together after unprecedented floods.”

The cleanup wasn’t just physical. Emotional tolls were heavy. Elderly residents, many without insurance, faced months of recovery. Small businesses, already strained by post-pandemic pressures, now faced water-damaged inventory and lost income. One bakery owner, Mark Ellis, said: “We lost 120 loaves. The oven’s ruined. I don’t know if I can afford to reopen.”

What’s Next? Lessons from the Flood

Monmouth has flooded before—2007, 2012, 2019—but never like this. Experts now point to climate change intensifying atmospheric rivers in the UK. The Met Office confirmed that November 2025 was the wettest November on record for South Wales. The council has already pledged to review flood defenses along the Monnow by spring 2026. A £2.3 million emergency fund has been allocated for immediate repairs, with calls growing for long-term investment in green infrastructure—wetlands, permeable pavements, riverbank restoration.

For now, the town waits. The water’s receding. The buses will run again. But the question lingers: will the next storm catch them unprepared?

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes were affected by the flooding in Monmouth?

At least 75 homes in Monmouth were directly affected by floodwaters, primarily along Monnow Street, Priory Street, and lower-lying areas near the River Monnow. Many suffered structural damage, including ruined flooring, electrical systems, and insulation. The Monmouthshire County Council has begun distributing emergency housing grants to affected families.

Why was the River Monnow’s flood level so extreme?

The river reached 2.8 meters above seasonal normal due to an atmospheric river event that dumped over 12 inches of rain in under 48 hours. This saturated the ground, overwhelmed drainage systems, and caused rapid runoff from surrounding hills. The previous record, set in January 2012, was surpassed by 0.3 meters—making this the highest level ever recorded since monitoring began in the 1970s.

Which bus routes were disrupted, and why?

Newport Bus services 60 (to/from Newport), 66 (Hereford), and 69 (Chepstow) were suspended because key road segments—including Kentchurch Bridge and the R7 Forest Coal Pit route—were either submerged or collapsed due to landslides. The Monmouth Bus station itself was flooded and deemed unsafe. No service resumed until November 20, 2025, after road inspections.

Who is leading the recovery efforts, and what’s their plan?

The Monmouthshire County Council is coordinating with Gwent Police, the Welsh Fire and Rescue Service, and military personnel from Cawdor Barracks. Their plan includes clearing debris, restoring power and water, repairing roads, and assessing long-term flood defenses. A £2.3 million emergency fund has been approved, with a public consultation on infrastructure upgrades scheduled for January 2026.

Is this flood linked to climate change?

Yes. Meteorologists confirm that the intensity and frequency of atmospheric river events in the UK have increased by 35% since 2000. November 2025 was the wettest November on record in South Wales. Experts from Cardiff University’s Climate Research Group say Monmouth’s flooding aligns with projected patterns for low-lying river towns under climate change scenarios.

When will normal services fully resume?

Monmouthshire County Council estimates full restoration of transportation networks will take 5 to 7 business days—meaning most roads and bus routes should be operational by late November 2025. However, repairs to private properties, businesses, and riverbank stabilization could take months. The council advises residents to prepare for intermittent disruptions through December.