News
Urgent flood alert for Pembrokeshire coast as Storm Debi approaches
A SIGNIFICANT flood alert has been declared for the Pembrokeshire coast, stretching from St Dogmaels, Cardigan to Amroth, as Storm Debi gears up to sweep across Wales. Natural Resources Wales has cautioned that flooding is likely, and residents are advised to be vigilant and prepared.
As per the latest forecasts, a combination of strong winds and high waves poses a serious risk of coastal flooding, particularly around the high tide on Monday morning, November 13. The alert specifically targets the high tide at 6 am on Monday.
Storm Debi, anticipated to traverse Wales overnight into Monday, is expected to bring Force 8 winds from the South Westerly direction. Offshore wave heights could reach approximately 5 meters, exacerbating the situation. Notably, the high tide at Milford Haven on Monday morning is predicted to be around 0.5 meters higher than usual tide tables suggest.
Residents along the coast should expect flooding of low-lying lands and roads. Extreme caution is urged for those near beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, and roads. The dangers posed by sea spray and waves, potentially carrying debris, cannot be understated.
Natural Resources Wales will continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents can stay updated by visiting the ‘River Levels, Rainfall and Sea Data’ section on the Natural Resources Wales website.
Important Information and Safety Measures:
- Check current flood warnings and river/sea levels at Natural Resources Wales Flood Warning.
- Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 503013 for updates.
- Follow @NatResWales and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest developments.
- Stay tuned to local weather, news, and travel bulletins on TV and radio.
Precautionary Steps:
Residents should consider the following:
- Monitoring local water levels and weather conditions.
- Acting on flood plans if available.
- Relocating vehicles to higher grounds.
- Preparing a flood kit with essentials like torches, mobile phones, chargers, warm clothes, insurance documents, food, water, first aid kits, and necessary medicines or baby care items.
- Informing staff and customers in case of businesses.
- Knowing how to turn off gas, electricity, and water mains.
- Considering moving livestock and equipment in rural areas.
- Avoiding walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
Flood water can be highly dangerous and potentially polluted. Public health officials advise washing hands thoroughly after any contact with flood water.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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