News

Yellow weather warning as Storm Franklin approaches Pembrokeshire

Published

3 years ago

February 20, 2022

A YELLOW weather warning has been issued for very strong winds on Sunday and Monday.

Named Storm Franklin by the Met Office, winds speeds locally could be higher than those brought by Storm Eunice on Friday.

The warning becomes active at 12pm Sunday through to 1pm Monday.

Forecasts show gusts of wind in Pembrokeshire during the active yellow alert period could reach speeds similar to those seen during the Storm Eunice amber alert on Friday.

Locally Storm Franklin will peak between 3am and 7am on Monday with wind gusts forecast in excess of 65mph.

During Storm Eunice on Friday the highest wind speed recorded at the Hawarden airport weather station – as used by the Met Office to gather data – reached 54mph.

The Met Office weather warning states:

“Further periods of very strong winds on Sunday and Monday, with possible disruption.”

What to expect

Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen, along with trees/branches being brought down
Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
Some roads and bridges may close
Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

The Met Office says: “Winds are likely to strengthen across England and Wales on Sunday, as an increasingly squally band of rain moves southeastwards.”

“Gusts of 55-60 mph are expected widely around south and west facing coasts, but possibly also briefly inland.”#

“There is a chance that a few exposed places could see gusts near 70 mph.”

“Strong gusts associated with blustery wintry showers will follow from the north.”

“A swathe of very strong winds will reach Northern Ireland later Sunday evening in association with Storm Franklin.”

“These very strong winds will spread to many other western, central and southern areas of the UK overnight and early Monday, with gusts widely 50-60 mph, whilst west facing coastal districts will see gusts of 65-75 mph and perhaps 80 mph briefly near north coast of Northern Ireland.”

“In the south these strong winds may hamper, or slow, ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Storm Eunice.”

“Winds will ease steadily from the northwest during the remainder of Monday.”

UPDATE FROM LOCAL AUTHORITY / WESTERN POWER

Western Power has continued to work through the night to restore electricity to customers. This has been the worst storm ever experienced in the region for the utility company in terms of impacts/calls. Engineers are continuing to work to restore power to remaining customers. The latest update is here: https://powercuts.westernpower.co.uk. BT has also worked hard to restore phone lines where cables have been affected.

Latest Situation and reminder of trees to be cleared during working week:

– We have 2 teams out for building maintenance. We are currently dealing with a dozen emergency calls not including remaining calls from yesterday. Yesterday, we had the region of 65 emergency calls that the team dealt with to assess damages as well as remaining requests from Friday. Some repairs will only be undertaken when safe to do so due to inclement weather conditions.

North
o Glandwr – SA34 0YD– Cables on the road posing hazard – road is closed until Western Power can attend.
o Slade Lane – Trees down on footpath – Countryside Access team to assess Monday
o Lotta Park – tree down – to be cleared during working week

South
o Wood Lane – Jeffreyston to Cresselly – Large trees blocking the road – Trees on power lines – Road Closed – To be cleared Sunday
o Tenby – Tiles on the pavements falling off – Pavement barriered off
o WRC Site – team to assess damage to fencing structure
o Tree on roundabout by Technium Centre blocking road – Team on site
o Dangerous tree, Redberth Playground – Playground to be closed until can be assessed next week
o Narberth – tree on the B4314 road to crematorium blocking the road – team on site

Central

o Damage to hedge in St Ishmaels to be addressed during working week
o B4330 Camrose by Callfield Farm – Wire cross road – reported to BT – Awaiting update
o Portfield Gate to Sutton – Tree on side of the road – Road is passable with care and tree has been cornered off
o Havens Head, Hubberston, Milford Haven – Dangerous tree leaning over road/cables – To be assessed next week with contractor

o Haven Road – dangerous structure on house – Assessed by Fire Service – Footpath closed until fixed by private landowner
o Withybush Woods will remain closed due to a number of trees having fallen off – Work will be carried out during the working week

MORE TO FOLLOW

Cover image: Saundersfoot on Friday, by Gareth Davies Photography

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.