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.

Crime

Boy, 15, denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher in ‘horrifying’ attack

Published

22 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Swansea Crown Court hears dramatic opening of trial over February stabbing

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from Milford Haven has gone on trial accused of attempting to murder a teacher in what prosecutors described as a “planned and murderous attack” inside a classroom.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have stabbed teacher Vicki Williams in the head with a large kitchen knife during an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Opening the case at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (July 6), Christopher Rees KC told the jury the defendant had brought the weapon into school in his bag before targeting the teacher.

“The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack,” he said. “He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

Struggle in the classroom

The court heard the incident unfolded at around 3:10pm when the boy allegedly followed Miss Williams into an empty classroom.

During a struggle, he is said to have pushed her into a chair as she attempted to seize the knife. The court was told she sustained a penetrating wound to the head, along with defensive injuries to her hands and additional scratches and grazes.

When Miss Williams shouted for help, the defendant fled the scene.

Emergency services attended and the teacher was taken to hospital but discharged later the same evening.

Charges denied

The defendant denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has previously admitted possessing a bladed article.

A jury of 12, along with an alternate juror, was sworn in before Judge Paul Thomas KC. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.

Matthew Roberts KC is representing the defence.

Community impact

The incident sent shockwaves through the Milford Haven community and prompted a temporary lockdown at the school on the day.

At the time, parents raised concerns about knife awareness, pupil wellbeing, and staff safety in secondary schools.

Dyfed-Powys Police previously confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident.

Pembrokeshire County Council and school leaders have said the welfare of pupils and staff remains a priority, but fuller details of any internal review have not been disclosed while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

The trial continues.

Local Government

Pembs residents asked for views on second-home and empty-property council tax

Published

38 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents, property owners and stakeholders to have their say on the future level of Council Tax premiums for second homes and long-term empty properties.

The consultation will help shape the council’s approach for the 2027-28 financial year, with any agreed changes due to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Council Tax premiums are additional charges placed on top of standard Council Tax bills, which also include the precepts set by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council says the consultation will gather views on what level the premiums should be set at in future, as well as how any income raised should be used to support local priorities in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Paper copies are also available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the options, including how any funding raised through the premiums will be used, is expected to be made by full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any decision agreed at that meeting will come into effect from April 1, 2027.