Community
Prepare for flooding and damaging winds from Storm Darragh

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is urging people across Wales to remain vigilant this weekend as Storm Darragh brings heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds, posing significant risks in many areas.
The storm is expected to bring widespread rainfall across Wales, with a heightened risk of significant flooding in southern regions from Saturday into Sunday. Though rainfall totals are predicted to be less than those seen during Storm Bert, saturated ground and debris-filled rivers from recent storms increase the likelihood of flooding.
The Met Office has issued amber and red weather warnings:
- Amber warning for rain in southern Wales from 3:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday.
- Red warning for winds along the western and southern coastline from 3:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, with an amber warning for winds from 1:00am to 9:00pm.
NRW Closures and Public Safety Guidance
All NRW-managed visitor centres, woodlands, trails, and car parks will be closed on Saturday to ensure public safety. Although coastal flooding is not currently expected, large waves caused by storm-force winds could pose significant danger. NRW is urging residents to:
- Avoid seafronts and promenades to reduce the risk of being swept away by waves.
- Take preparatory steps now to protect homes and businesses, such as moving valuables and vehicles to higher ground and packing a flood kit.
Stay Informed and Prepared
NRW offers a free flood warning service and updates flood alerts every 15 minutes:
- Sign up at naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
- Check flood alerts and warnings regularly online.
Becky Favager, Duty Tactical Manager for NRW, said:
“Storm Darragh is expected to have a significant impact across Wales. Rivers are already swollen, and with ground conditions so wet, we anticipate a high number of flood alerts and warnings.
“Our teams have been working around the clock, checking defences impacted by Storm Bert and preparing for Darragh’s arrival. With red and amber warnings in place, we’ve closed our visitor sites to protect the public. We strongly urge people to avoid riverbanks, seafronts, and floodwaters, as they pose serious safety risks.
“Sign up for our free flood warning service and take time now to prepare for potential flooding. Check your local flood risk on our website and ensure you have a flood kit with essentials like important documents and medication.”
NRW reminds the public to:
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as unseen hazards may lurk beneath.
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit the NRW website for updates and practical advice.
Flood alerts and warnings are available online and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Residents can also check NRW’s five-day flood forecast for their area and find tips on preparing for potential flooding.
Community
Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.
Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.
Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.
Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Community
Proposed Saundersfoot traveller site decision delayed

PLANNERS are to visit a proposed new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, before making any formal decision.
Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.
The objection to the site is also being shared by the village’s community council.
Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application.
The application is made by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd.
Saundersfoot Community Council is recommending that the plans are turned down.
Members have pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.
There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened,
Members have said granting permission “would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park”.
The community council’s objection finished: “The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.”
A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives.
“Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.”
It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site.
“The application’s aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.”
At the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, members backed a recommendation to agree to a site visit ahead of any formal decision on the scheme, on the grounds of public interest.
The application will now be heard at a future national park meeting.
Community
Sanna Duthie to take on Pembs Coast Path in record-breaking fundraising challenge

A NEW record could soon be set on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as ultra-runner Sanna Duthie prepares to take on the full 186-mile trail in under 50 hours to raise vital funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Starting at Poppit Sands at 8.30am on Thursday 24 April, Sanna will attempt to beat her own record of 51 hours and 30 minutes, which she set in 2021. The challenge will push her physical and mental endurance to the limit as she navigates the rugged and spectacular coastline of the UK’s only coastal National Park.
Sanna’s motivation for this challenge goes beyond breaking records. She is driven by her deep connection to the Coast Path and her desire to help safeguard it for future generations. The funds raised will support essential maintenance, from rebuilding storm-damaged bridges to protecting ancient monuments and combating coastal erosion.
Speaking about her challenge, Sanna said: “The Coast Path has given me so much over the years – it’s my training ground, my escape, and my inspiration. Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I hope to raise £2,000 to help protect and preserve this incredible trail, ensuring that others can continue to experience its beauty and challenges for years to come.”
Sanna’s record-breaking attempt is being supported by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which funds crucial conservation projects within the National Park.
Trust Director Katie Macro added: “Sanna’s determination and passion for the Coast Path are truly inspiring. Her challenge highlights the urgent need for funding to protect this iconic trail from the increasing threats of climate change, erosion, and declining public funding. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us continue this essential work.”

For those inspired by Sanna’s feat but not quite ready to run 186 miles, the Trust’s Wild Coast Challenge offers an alternative way to experience the Coast Path while supporting its future. This fundraising adventure invites walkers to complete the trail at their own pace—whether over weeks, months, or even a year.
By raising just £200, participants will directly contribute to conservation efforts while earning a Wild Coast Challenge t-shirt as a badge of honour for their achievement.
Further information about this can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.
To support Sanna’s record-breaking attempt and help her reach her £2,000 fundraising target, visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sanna-duthie-1729103753472.
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