News

Caution urged as storm Eunice heads towards Pembrokeshire

Published

4 years ago

February 17, 2022

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is urging people to take every possible safety precaution tomorrow (Friday) and only travel if absolutely necessary as a major storm head towards Wales.

Storm Eunice, which is expected to hit in the early hours of Friday morning has the potential to be one of the most powerful storms experienced for a number of years.

Gusts of up to 90-100mph are expected along the coast and an Amber wind warning has been put in place by the Met Office. A rare Red warning is in place for other parts of Wales.

Due to the seriousness of the storm and its likely impacts, all Pembrokeshire County Council Day Centres and associated community activity will be closed on Friday.

The Haverfordwest Farmers Market planned for Friday has also been cancelled.

Withybush Woods in Haverfordwest will be closed from 5pm tonight and remain closed throughout Friday due to the risk of the high winds. The woods will be reopened when deemed safe.

Further service closures are likely to be announced today as more data and forecasts are received.

This will be a fast moving situation and residents are asked to keep in touch with the latest information via Pembrokeshire County Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Follow the Council on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PembrokeshireCountyCouncil

And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pembrokeshire (search #pccalerts).

The above links will also feature the latest situation updates as the storm progresses on Friday.

Situation updates are also available at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/situation-updates

The storm’s impact will be exacerbated by current high tides, creating the likelihood of coastal flooding.

Road closures are likely around the coast, particularly in areas such as Newgale, Amroth and Dale.

The Council has previously issued warnings that the Cleddau Bridge is likely to be closed for prolonged periods on Friday and anyone who has to travel should check in advance.

“The message is don’t leave home unless you really, really have to on Friday,” said Darren Thomas, Council Head of Infrastructure.

“If you do have to venture out please give yourself extra time to make your journey and be aware that some roads may be closed.

“I cannot emphasise enough how dangerous it could be around the coastline.

“The exceptionally strong winds and very high tides will make conditions treacherous. Please do not risk your life for the sake of a photograph of the waves.”

The public is asked to be vigilant in relation to the potential damage to buildings and other structures, resulting in tiles and other debris falling in public areas.

The winds could also lead to power cuts.

Pembrokeshire residents can help by reporting non emergency incidents by email.

Please use the email address [email protected]

If you need to call, the Council’s Contact Centre will be open from 7am on Friday. Call 01437 764551.

Out of hours the number is 0345 601 5522.

Householders are also urged to secure items around their homes to prepare for the exceptionally strong winds expected.

Pembrokeshire County Council and partner agencies across Mid and West Wales have been meeting regularly to prepare for the storm.

The Council continues to monitor the situation closely and has teams on standby across the County.

The Council would ask for patience while dealing with incidents over the coming days.

The weather for the weekend is set to be more rain and wind which could potentially delay the response to some incidents

Visit the Met Office website for updates on the weather situation: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

and check the NRW website for the latest flood warnings: https://naturalresources.wales/flooding/?lang=en

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.