Monmouth Businesses Face Severe Challenges After Storm Claudia Flooding in December 2025
Storm Claudia triggered severe flooding in Monmouth in December 2025, affecting about 200 homes and 120 businesses, marking it as the worst such event since the 1970s.
The newly opened Bar 125 restaurant was flooded around 1am, suffering damages to appliances, freezers, and fridges. Despite this, it managed to reopen 10 days later after cleaning and restocking. However, the flooding forced cancellation of 1,200 Christmas bookings. Other major retailers like Waitrose and M&S reopened, while Harts of Monmouth operated only on its first floor. Many independent traders remained closed or were still repairing their premises. The Christmas trading period, a crucial time for small businesses, was heavily disrupted.
The flooding exposed significant gaps in insurance coverage. Bar 125’s policy did not cover flood damage or lost trade. In contrast, some businesses, such as Tom Innes’s wine merchant, had insurance that covered damage. Nevertheless, many faced uninsured losses and continued wage costs.
In response, Monmouthshire council and the Welsh government offered support measures, providing up to £1,000 for residents and up to £3,000 for businesses. Council tax and business rates were suspended temporarily, and parking charges were paused to aid recovery.
Looking at the broader climate context, flooding events like this are expected to become more frequent due to the climate crisis. Some towns, such as Tenbury Wells, risk becoming uninsurable. While Flood Re insurance covers homeowners, it does not extend to businesses. Expanding such coverage would require significant financial levies. Meanwhile, the government is investing at least £10.5bn to address flood risks.
Despite some community support helping businesses to reopen quickly, anxiety over ongoing flood risks persists among the residents and traders of Monmouth, with concerns about prolonged disruption and rising insurance costs.
The town continues its recovery amid these ongoing challenges.
