Natural Resources Wales, the country's environmental agency, is warning residents to prepare for possible flooding during autumn as long-range forecasts point to wetter and windier weather than usual.
The warning carries particular urgency in Wales, where one in seven properties is already considered at risk of flooding.
Here's what to know
In an Oct. 12 Instagram post, BBC Wales News reported that Natural Resources Wales was urging residents to prepare for "the unthinkable."
About one in seven properties across Wales falls into a flood-risk category. Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales said only 27% of eligible residents have signed up to receive flood warnings by phone or email.
BBC Wales News said some people in flood-hit areas were already making preparations and were worried. In the comments, one user wrote: "Then let's prepare for it."
More background
With autumn forecasts pointing to wetter, windier conditions, flood response teams in Wales say already exposed homes and communities could come under added strain.
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For households in flood-prone areas, severe flooding can threaten lives, damage homes, destroy personal belongings, disrupt travel, and make it harder for people to get safely to work or school. When one in seven properties faces some degree of flood risk, the effects can reach beyond individual households to community safety and local economic stability.
Comments reflected both concern and frustration. One person wrote, "Clean the culverts and stop building on flood plains."
Another said Natural Resources Wales was "vastly under resourced and toothless in protecting our rivers."
What can be done?
Signing up for official flood warnings is one step Natural Resources Wales recommended. Alerts are available by phone or email, but with only 27% of eligible people enrolled, many at-risk residents may still be missing a basic preparedness tool.
Commenters pointed to prevention measures they want to see. One said "clean the rivers would be a good start" and called for removing "dead trees out and branches etc."
Others raised concerns about how waterways and infrastructure are being managed ahead of heavy rain.
Where can I learn more?
Flood risks and extreme weather are putting various communities on alert for potential damage.
• In the U.K., scientists warned sea-level rise is putting more communities in flood danger.
• In England, officials said drought and flooding can intensify together as weather extremes grow.
• Across the U.K., extreme flooding is creating water-management problems and wildlife disruption.
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