News

Significant storm set to batter county

Published

13 years ago

October 27, 2013

UPDATED 18.00 HRS – SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER

PEMBROKESHIRE residents have been warned to be prepared for what forecasters are calling a “significant storm” set to batter Wales on Sunday.

Met Office forecasts say hurricane force winds of 60 to 80mph could hit southern parts of the UK sweeping north and east overnight.

Natural Resources Wales warns of possible localised flooding.

The ferry services have been cancelled and councils have been filling sandbags and clearing gullies.

There is also concern that trees could come down affecting power supplies.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has urged its customers to let them know about any flooding in the sewer networks.

Frank Saunders, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “We are confident that a severe storm will affect Britain on Sunday night and Monday. We are now looking at refining the details about which areas will see the strongest winds and the heaviest rain.

“This is a developing situation and we’d advise people to stay up to date with our forecasts and warnings over the weekend, and be prepared to change their plans if necessary. We’ll continue to work closely with authorities and emergency services to ensure they are aware of the expected conditions.”

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said “We are working closely with our partner agencies monitoring the severe weather expected this evening and overnight. Plans and resources are in place should the need arise. In light of the amber warning in place currently, we are urging the public to keep an eye on weather forecasts and take appropriate steps and precautions to minimise the impact of such weather and keep themselves and others safe.”

The spokesman added “It is anticipated our contact centre and control room may experience high levels of demand as the weather worsens, but if you’re query is not an emergency and relates to the weather please check weather forecasts in the media, on the internet and social media or if it’s travel and traffic advice you’re looking for go to the Traffic Wales website. But in an emergency call 999.”

Meanwhile Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is asking its customers to work with them to keep sewers flowing through wet weather.

“With a lot of heavy rain forecast for Wales over the course of the weekend, our engineers will be on high alert to respond to any issues which may occur on our wastewater network,” said director of waste water services Steve Wilson.

“The network gets placed under increased pressure during this type of weather therefore we would be grateful if customers could immediately notify us on issues they become aware of relating to it in their area.

“We would ask customers to call our 24 hour operational helpline on 0800 085 3968 to report any issues.”

Pembrokeshire Herald advice and tips for inside the home:-

Draught proof your windows and doors, including weather strips and rain boards on doors
Know how to turn off your gas, water and electricity mains supplies
Use surge protectors for electrical appliances
Consider a generator for prolonged power outages
Ensure you have a good supply of baterries and a working torch and radio
Ensure all lights work and you have spare light bulbs
Keep a list of emergency numbers
Check you have up to date insurance
If your children are at school or nursery, know their emergency plan and requirements should someone besides the parent have to pick them up

MET OFFICE WEATHER FORECAST

Issued 0400HRS 27.10.2013

Damaging winds and heavy rain developing tonight and into tomorrow.

Today:
Sunshine and blustery showers today, with some of the showers turning heavy and thundery at times, especially in the north. Windy with a risk of gales, particularly over the mountains. Thicker cloud and rain reaching the far southwest by dusk. Maximum Temperature 15 °C.

Tonight:
Heavy rain quickly spreading across the country during the evening, with further heavy rain overnight. Damaging winds also likely in the south, giving the risk of fallen trees and disruption. Minimum Temperature 9 °C.

Monday:
Damaging winds and heavy rain gradually easing throughout the morning, but winds still remaining strong. Sunny spells and scattered showers following, with the showers turning heavy in places. Maximum Temperature 14 °C.

News

National champions set for Lloyds Road Championships in Wales

Published

30 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Strong Welsh contingent among elite field heading to Lampeter and Aberystwyth

SOME of Britain’s leading cyclists will head to Wales next week as the 2026 Lloyds National Road Championships get under way.

Sixteen former elite national road champions are among the riders named for the event, which begins in Lampeter on Thursday, June 25, before moving to Aberystwyth for the circuit race and road race.

Welsh rider Zoe Backstedt, of Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto, is expected to be one of the headline names after winning the elite women’s time-trial title at last year’s championships.

Backstedt said: “I’m super excited to come back to Wales to race national champs this year. I don’t get to race in the UK a lot, let alone in Wales, so that makes it even more exciting to be there.

“We’ve got such a strong roster of riders in the UK, so it’s never going to be easy, but I hope I’ll come into this in good shape and fighting for the win.”

Millie Couzens, of Fenix-Premier Tech, returns to defend her women’s road race title. She faces a strong field including three-time road national champion Pfeiffer Georgi, Morven Yeoman, Imogen Wolff, Cat Ferguson, Anna Henderson and Flora Perkins.

In the men’s road race, Sam Watson, of NetCompany Ineos, will look to retain his crown against a field including former national champion Ben Swift, reigning under-23 champion Matthew Brennan, Adam Howell and Ethan Hayter.

Hayter said: “Nationals always seem to bring out the best in me. I’ve managed to win a jersey in 2024 and 2025, so it would be nice to try to add another in the TT or RR.

“Each year the level gets higher, but it makes for aggressive, exciting racing.”

Cameron Mason will return to Aberystwyth to defend his open circuit race title, with Thomas Armstrong, Matt Bostock and Oliver Wood among those expected to challenge.

Kate Richardson also returns as defending women’s circuit race champion. She will be joined by a strong field including Isabel Sharp, Carys Lloyd, Xan Crees, Jenny Holl and Josie Knight.

A number of Welsh riders will also compete across the championships, including Finlay Tarling, Elynor Backstedt, Anna Morris, Owain Doull MBE and Megan Barker.

Erin Boothman, following a successful track season, will make her Lloyds National Road Championships debut in the women’s road race and under-23 women’s time-trial. Ben Wiggins will also return to Ceredigion as he looks to improve on last year’s silver medal in the under-23 men’s time-trial.

Ten national champions’ jerseys will be contested over three days of racing.

The time-trial takes place in Lampeter on Thursday, June 25. The elite women, under-23 women and under-23 men will race over 25.6km, while the elite men will cover 38.4km.

Aberystwyth will host the circuit race on Friday, June 26, and the road race on Sunday, June 28, giving spectators the chance to watch some of Britain’s best riders on Welsh roads.

The championships return to Wales with support from the Welsh Government.

Pic: Lloyds National Circuit Championship 2025 (Pic: SWPix.com)

News

Claire Archibald raises concerns over delays to carers’ needs assessments

Published

33 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARERS across Wales are being left overworked and without timely support, a Senedd member has warned.

Claire Archibald MS, Reform Wales’ Shadow Minister for Social Care and member for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, raised the issue during questions to the Plaid Cymru Health Minister.

She highlighted concerns that many unpaid carers are still waiting too long for Carer’s Needs Assessments, despite a commitment that assessments should be completed within 28 days.

Ms Archibald said reports such as At Breaking Point showed that many carers were either unaware of their rights or were facing delays before receiving meaningful help.

Questions have now been raised over when the 28-day standard will be fully implemented across Wales and how local authorities will be held to account.

Ms Archibald said: “Carers across Wales are essential to the health care system, yet too many are overworked and not receiving the support they need to continue their vital role.

“Despite Plaid Cymru’s promise to ensure Carer’s Needs Assessments are completed within 28 days, many carers are still unaware of their rights or facing long delays before receiving any meaningful help.

“There must be clarity on when the 28-day standard will be fully implemented across Wales, alongside robust accountability measures to ensure local authorities deliver on this commitment.

“Without proper funding and enforcement, there is a risk that responsibility is simply passed on to already stretched councils, leaving carers without the support they urgently need.”