News

RED WARNING: High winds expected in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2024

he Met Office has issued a rare red warning for wind as Storm Darragh sweeps across west Wales, bringing potentially life-threatening conditions. The warning, which includes gusts of up to 90 mph, will be in force from 3am to 11am on Saturday, affecting Anglesey, Conwy, Gwynedd, and parts of west and south Wales.

Forecasters have urged the public to stay indoors during the storm, citing significant risks including flying debris, fallen trees, large coastal waves, power cuts, and building damage. A Met Office statement reads:

“A period of extremely strong winds will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as Storm Darragh moves across the Irish Sea. Gusts of 90 mph or more are possible over coasts and hills of west and south Wales, as well as funnelling through the Bristol Channel with some very large waves on exposed beaches.”

The strongest winds are expected to ease by late morning, but Amber wind warnings will remain in place throughout the day, signalling continued risks of disruption.

Preparing for Storm Darragh

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take urgent precautions to minimise risks:

Stay Indoors: Avoid venturing outside during the red warning period unless absolutely necessary.
Monitor Forecasts: Use the Met Office app or website to stay updated on the latest weather information and alerts.
Charge Devices: Fully charge phones, power banks, and critical medical equipment to prepare for potential power outages.
Secure Property: Fasten outdoor items, close and bolt doors and windows, and park vehicles in a garage or away from trees and buildings.
Plan Ahead for Travel: Reconsider non-essential journeys and check with travel operators for updates.

Risks and expected Impacts

The storm poses a range of hazards, including:

Coastal Flooding: Large waves and storm surges are expected along exposed beaches and coasts, particularly near the Bristol Channel.
Flying Debris: Winds of this strength can cause serious injury or danger to life.
Fallen Trees: High winds are likely to bring down trees, which can damage infrastructure and block roads.
Power and Network Outages: Disruptions to electricity, internet, and phone services are expected.
Building Damage: Roof tiles and other structures may be dislodged by the gusts.

During and after the storm

During the storm, residents should prioritise safety:

Use sheltered doors for entering or leaving the house, and avoid areas near buildings or trees.
Do not attempt to repair storm damage while the winds are still strong.
If driving is unavoidable, proceed cautiously on exposed routes and bridges, and beware of side winds.

After the storm subsides, remain alert to lingering hazards:

Avoid touching downed power lines or cables.
Check buildings, walls, and trees for damage before approaching them.
Offer assistance to vulnerable neighbours and relatives where needed.

Continued amber warning

Although the red warning ends at 11am, Amber wind warnings will remain in place for much of the day, signalling continued strong winds and potential disruption.

As Storm Darragh approaches, the message is clear: be prepared, stay safe, and heed official advice.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

4 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

4 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.