News

Welsh Ambulance Service urges caution as Storm Goretti brings snow and strong winds

Published

34 seconds ago

January 8, 2026

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has issued a public safety warning ahead of Storm Goretti, with heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast to hit parts of Wales.

The Met Office has described Storm Goretti as a “multi-hazard event” and has issued a series of amber and yellow weather warnings for snow across Wales and large areas of the UK. The Heads of the Valleys in south Wales are expected to be among the areas worst affected.

Forecasters say the conditions are likely to lead to significant disruption and hazardous travelling conditions from Thursday night (January 8) and into Friday.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said the NHS was already under sustained pressure following the New Year and was now preparing for the additional challenges posed by the severe weather.

She said: “Cold weather naturally leads to an increase in falls, breathing difficulties and road traffic collisions, so it’s important that people take steps to reduce the risk of becoming ill or injured, and help us, help you.

“Severe weather can also mean it may take longer to reach some patients, but if you have a genuine life-threatening emergency, please do continue to call us.

“Above all, please be kind and considerate to our staff who are working around the clock in our contact centres and on the frontline to provide care for communities across Wales.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service is advising members of the public to:

Ensure they have enough essential and prescription medication to last through any disruption

Avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary, and to drive with care if journeys cannot be delayed

Take extra care on icy surfaces and wear suitable footwear
Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family
Only call 999 in genuine life-threatening emergencies

Meanwhile, National Grid Electricity Distribution has also issued guidance to customers as snow, rain and high winds are forecast across south Wales.

The electricity network is designed to be resilient, but extreme weather can still cause disruption. High winds can damage equipment, while ice forming on overhead lines can add weight and increase the risk of faults.

Extra engineering and customer service teams have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any issues caused by the storm.

Roisin Quinn, Field Operations Director at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “We prepare year-round to ensure our teams are ready to respond quickly to any damage caused by severe weather.

“We understand how worrying storms like this can be, which is why our engineers, contact centre staff and welfare teams are ready to support customers whatever Storm Goretti brings.

“Our control centre will be operating 24/7 to manage supplies and coordinate a rapid response if power lines are affected, and we’ve increased staffing levels to keep people informed.”

Anyone experiencing a power cut is advised to call 105, a free number that connects directly to the local electricity network operator.

Entertainment

Yasemin Özdemir’s journey from Pembrokeshire to the national stage

Published

13 minutes ago

January 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RAISED in a single-parent household in Pembrokeshire, Yasemin Özdemir relied on grants, scholarships and bursaries to pursue her ambition to act. This winter, that determination comes full circle as she takes to the stage alongside Michael Sheen in the inaugural production of the Welsh National Theatre.

From local youth theatre to professional training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Özdemir has steadily built a career defined by drive and resilience. Now, she joins a landmark project that will see Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic Our Town presented with a fully Welsh cast and creative team for the first time in the play’s eighty-seven-year history.

***Our Town by Thornton Wilder in rehearsals (Pic: Helen Murray)***

Özdemir first encountered Our Town in 2016 while preparing for drama school auditions and says she “fell in love with it instantly”. That same year, she played Juliet in the National Youth Theatre of Wales’ Romeo and Juliet. Nearly a decade on, she is part of the newly launched Welsh National Theatre’s debut production, co-produced with the Rose Theatre.

The production is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge, with Michael Sheen appearing as the Stage Manager and Russell T Davies serving as Creative Associate. It will tour venues across Wales before transferring to London.

***Our Town by Thornton Wilder cast (Pic: Helen Murray)***

A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2020, Özdemir has already made her mark on stage and screen. Her theatre credits include Angel—which earned her a Best Lead Performance nomination at the 2022 OFFIES—alongside You Bury Me and Dance to the Bone. Television and film appearances include A Spy Among Friends (ITV), Vandullz (BBC) and the short film Yummy Mummy. Known for a dynamic physical presence and emotionally grounded performances, she brings energy and authenticity to the company’s opening production.

Speaking about her casting, Yasemin said: “Being part of Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre feels like a full-circle moment for me. I know how passionate he is about discovering talent from all backgrounds, including those of us who’ve had to fight to access opportunities in the arts. I’m thrilled to bring this timeless story to life with such an incredible team.”

Director Francesca Goodridge added: “Bringing Our Town to life with a fully Welsh cast and creative team is a gift. The journeys through life, love and death that the play celebrates sit perfectly within a close-knit community. The Welsh word hiraeth—that deep longing for a place, person or time you can’t return to—is at the heart of this production.”

Michael Sheen said the tour would place Welsh voices firmly on the national stage:
“This is an incredible opportunity to present a Welsh interpretation of a classic that tours our nation and takes our voice to London, giving Welsh talent a platform to perform.”

Russell T Davies described the company’s launch as timely: “In this strange and maddening world, the emergence of a Welsh cultural force is exactly what we need. Our Town fits an intimate Welsh setting instantly and perfectly.”

The production will play Swansea Grand Theatre from Friday 16 January to Saturday 31 January 2026, followed by Venue Cymru (Tuesday 3 February–Saturday 7 February) and Theatr Clwyd (Wednesday 11 February–Saturday 21 February), before transferring to the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames from Thursday 26 February to Saturday 28 March. Tickets are on sale now.

Crime

Man fined after admitting public order offence

Published

58 minutes ago

January 8, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting a public order offence.

Gareth Williams, aged 45, of Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Williams was charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, contrary to the Public Order Act, during an incident on December 28, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

Magistrates imposed a fine, and ordered Williams to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

Crime

Man fined and banned from driving after insurance offence

Published

1 hour ago

January 8, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE man has been fined and disqualified from driving after admitting a motoring offence.

Rhys Phillips, aged 33, of Bush Street, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Phillips drove a motor vehicle without insurance on October 2, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates imposed a fine, endorsed his licence with penalty points, and imposed a driving disqualification due to his record. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.