News
Storm Antoni set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to west Wales
AS STORM ANTONI strikes the UK, and West Wales is bracing for its impact, anticipating heavy rain and strong winds rarely seen during the summer months.
The Met Office has issued four weather warnings as the storm approaches, with west Wales in its path.
An amber warning for wind covers southwest Wales from 11 am to 7 pm, along with southwest England, indicating an increased likelihood of severe weather impacts.
Additionally, a wider yellow warning for wind spans across southern parts of the UK from 8 am to 8 pm. Moreover, Northern Ireland faces a yellow warning for rain from midnight to 11 am..
Forecasters have expressed fears that gusts could exceed 60mph in the most affected areas, raising concerns about potential travel disruption and power outages. Amber warnings advise people to consider changing their plans and take action to protect themselves and their property.
The Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Steve Willington, warned that Northern Ireland is likely to experience the highest rainfall totals, with 40 to 60mm expected in some areas, and 20 to 30mm more widely. Similarly, West Wales and other parts of the UK can anticipate a very wet day with low pressure persisting after the sixth-wettest July in history.
As the storm moves from west to east, it is expected to be “potentially disruptive,” with potential road and bridge closures in the most impacted regions. This situation calls for residents in West Wales and surrounding areas to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The RAC has issued a warning that today could be the worst day on the roads of the summer so far, with an estimated four million cars embarking on leisure trips this weekend. Motorists are urged to slow down significantly, avoid exposed moorland and coastal routes until the storm passes, and remain cautious when towing caravans and trailers or carrying bikes and boxes on roofs. Fallen trees may pose a significant risk as well.













The severe weather conditions have already led to the cancellation of several outdoor events planned for the weekend. The Dorset jazz festival, Stompin’ on the Quomps, had to be postponed for the first time in its 30-year history, considering the safety of traders and spectators alike. This weekend’s Cardigan Show has also been called off as a safety precaution due to anticipated high winds.
Storm Antoni is the second storm to hit the UK in just five days, and while temperatures are expected to reach the mid-teens, the strong winds will make it feel much colder. Winds are predicted to ease as the afternoon progresses, with rain clearing from eastern areas early on Sunday, leaving a quieter day with sunshine and showers for most.
As West Wales awaits the impact of Storm Antoni, residents and travelers are urged to stay updated on weather warnings and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property during this turbulent weather event. Stay safe and be prepared for potential disruptions caused by Storm Antoni.
Business
First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead
THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.
The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.
A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.
Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.
“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”
The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.
Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.
The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.
A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.
Photo: Martin Cavaney
Crime
Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.
SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST
Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.
The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.
COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION
Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.
Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.
The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.
Local Government
Sewage leak at Pembroke Commons prompts urgent clean-up works
Council pollution officers say they have no enforcement powers over Welsh Water infrastructure
SEWAGE contamination on the Commons in Pembroke has prompted an urgent response from pollution officers, after a leak was reported by a member of the public on Tuesday.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team confirmed they were alerted yesterday afternoon to sewage surrounding a manhole cover on the site. The Herald understands that officers immediately notified Welsh Water (DCWW) network technicians to investigate the incident “as a matter of urgency”.
County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the authority had been clear that it holds no enforcement powers over Welsh Water assets.
“Whilst we work constructively with Welsh Water, we have no authority to intervene on their apparatus or to carry out enforcement action against them for such pollution incidents,” the Pollution Control Team said in a statement shared with the councillor.
Urgent works underway
Council officers visited the site on Wednesday morning alongside contractors and Welsh Water technicians to assess clean-up options. According to the team, works will include cleaning the contaminated ground in and around the manhole cover and fencing off the affected area “until safe”.
Cllr Grimes said officers would return to the scene on Thursday to check on progress and ensure the area is properly secured.
Residents who notice any further issues have been urged to contact the Pollution Control Team directly.
Further updates are expected later this week.
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