Flood risk across Herefordshire
The River Wye and its tributary the Lugg dominate Herefordshire's flood risk. In February 2020 Storm Dennis took the Wye at Hereford to its highest level on record, flooding homes in Hereford, Hampton Bishop and Ross-on-Wye. The wide, flat floodplains of the Lugg and Arrow flood often in winter.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Herefordshire Council and landowners.
River Wye – Hay, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and the Forest of Dean
River Lugg – Leominster and Hampton Bishop
River Arrow – Kington and Pembridge
River Frome – Bromyard and the east of the county
River Monnow – The Welsh border
Who manages flood risk here
Herefordshire Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same council also decides planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
