Flood risk across Shropshire
The River Severn loops around Shrewsbury and runs through the Ironbridge Gorge and Bridgnorth, and it floods in most wet winters. In February 2020 Storms Ciara and Dennis flooded parts of Shrewsbury and the Wharfage at Ironbridge. In the south, the Teme and Corve can flood Ludlow and nearby villages.
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 Shropshire Council and landowners.
River Severn – Shrewsbury, Ironbridge and Bridgnorth
River Teme – Ludlow and the Herefordshire border
River Corve – Joins the Teme at Ludlow
River Vyrnwy – The Welsh border near Llanymynech
River Tern – Market Drayton and Atcham
Who manages flood risk here
Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are the Lead Local Flood Authorities, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same councils also decide 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.
