As of Tuesday 9 December 2025, coastal communities in Pembrokeshire remain on high alert as Storm Bram continues to batter the region with heavy rain, strong winds, and rising seas. Residents in low-lying estuary areas and seaside villages are being urged to remain vigilant as hazardous conditions persist.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 11 flood warnings and 59 flood alerts across the country, with rivers and coastal stretches in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion at particular risk.

Flood Warnings in Force
Flood warnings, which indicate that flooding is expected and immediate action is required, are currently active at the following locations:

• ⚠️ River Towy – affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
• ⚠️ River Cynin at St Clears
• ⚠️ River Cothi at Pontargothi and Pontynyswen
• ⚠️ River Loughor at Ammanford and Llandybie
• ⚠️ River Solva at Solva
• ⚠️ Tidal area at Dale, Pembrokeshire
• ⚠️ River Ritec at Tenby

These warnings reflect river levels that are already elevated or expected to rise further due to persistent rainfall and saturated ground conditions.

Flood Alerts Across West Wales
Flood alerts, indicating that flooding is possible and residents should be prepared, cover an extensive area of West Wales:

• ⚠️ Upper and Lower Teifi catchments
• ⚠️ Mid Ceredigion rivers
• ⚠️ Lower and Upper Towy catchments
• ⚠️ Rivers Bran and Gwydderig
• ⚠️ Rivers Taf and Cynin
• ⚠️ Eastern and Western Cleddau
• ⚠️ South, North, and West Pembrokeshire
• ⚠️ Carmarthenshire coast
• ⚠️ Pembrokeshire coast
• ⚠️ Ceredigion coast between Clarach and Cardigan

The combination of strong winds and high tides increases the likelihood of coastal flooding along exposed shorelines, while inland communities face rising river levels.

Advice for Residents and Travellers

• 🛑 Residents: Move valuables to higher ground, check drains, and ensure emergency supplies are accessible.
• 🛑 Drivers: Avoid flooded roads and monitor Traffic Wales for closures.
• 🛑 Coastal areas: Keep away from sea fronts and estuaries, where waves and debris can pose serious hazards.

NRW recommends signing up for free flood warnings and using the 24-hour Floodline service on 0345 988 1188 for the latest updates.

While no severe flood warnings, which indicate danger to life, are currently in force, the situation remains fluid. Communities across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion are advised to remain alert and prepare for possible disruption to travel, power, and daily routines.

Storm Bram is expected to continue bringing prolonged rainfall, with West Wales particularly vulnerable due to its river catchments and exposed coastline. Vigilance and adherence to official guidance remain essential in the coming days.

FOLLOWING a successful pilot at Glangwili Hospital’s emergency department, Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has rolled out Learning Disability Packs across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. 

These packs are designed by the health board’s Learning Disabilities Team to make emergency hospital visits less stressful and more accessible for adults with learning disabilities. They provide clear, simple information and reassurance for patients and their families. 

The pack is available at Bronglais, Glangwili, Withybush hospital’s emergency departments (A&E) and Prince Philip Hospital’s Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU).

It is designed to provide clear, simple information and reassurance and includes: 

• Easy Read information 
• Pictures and symbols to aid understanding 
• Details about what will happen during the visit 
• Information about staff who can help 

To ensure the packs are offered promptly, the Learning Disabilities Team is working closely with front-of-house staff and holding staff drop-in sessions. Posters will also promote their availability throughout departments and patients, or their carer can ask for a pack at the reception desk.  

“These packs were developed to help make emergency care less stressful and more accessible for adults with learning disabilities. We’re delighted these packs are now available across our hospitals,” said Melissa Evans, Learning Disabilities Health Facilitation and Liaison Team Manager, at Hywel Dda UHB.  

Anyone with a learning disability is also encouraged to complete a Health Profile and share it with health workers when visiting hospital. This profile includes essential information for health workers and can be used across all health and social care appointments.  

Melissa added: “A Health Profile is an important communication tool for people with a learning disability. It can include information about how to communicate, their medication and allergies, and the reasonable adjustments they may need.  

“Everyone is different, so we encourage anyone with a learning disability to fill in a Health Profile and take it with them when you need to go to hospital or see health and social care staff.” 

Health Profiles are available to download at https://www.improvementcymru.net/health-profile along with advice on how to fill it in.  

PAEDIATRICIANS are urging parents and carers across Wales to ensure their children receive the flu vaccine, as early-season data shows high rates of flu among babies, children and young people.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published a new fact sheet for families in Wales, amid concerns that flu is already circulating widely in communities. Clinicians say many people still underestimate the seriousness of flu, wrongly believing it to be little more than a heavy cold.

However, flu can cause severe illness in children and lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Each winter, thousands of children across the UK – including those with no underlying health conditions – require hospital care because of flu.

The RCPCH fact sheet aims to provide clear, evidence-based information for families and includes:

• Who is eligible for the flu vaccine
• Where to get vaccinated in Wales
• What to do if an appointment has been missed
• Answers to common questions on safety and effectiveness

The guidance is available now and comes as health services prepare for what is expected to be a challenging winter.

Dr Malcolm Gajraj, RCPCH Officer for Wales, said: “Flu is not something to take lightly. We are already seeing considerable cases of flu among children in Wales, and we know from experience that flu can lead to serious illness and hospital stays. The vaccine is safe, effective and the best way to protect your child. By getting your child vaccinated, you’re helping to keep them well and reduce the spread of flu in our communities.”