NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is urging people across Wales to remain vigilant this weekend as Storm Darragh brings heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds, posing significant risks in many areas.

The storm is expected to bring widespread rainfall across Wales, with a heightened risk of significant flooding in southern regions from Saturday into Sunday. Though rainfall totals are predicted to be less than those seen during Storm Bert, saturated ground and debris-filled rivers from recent storms increase the likelihood of flooding.

The Met Office has issued amber and red weather warnings:

• Amber warning for rain in southern Wales from 3:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday.
• Red warning for winds along the western and southern coastline from 3:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, with an amber warning for winds from 1:00am to 9:00pm.

NRW Closures and Public Safety Guidance

All NRW-managed visitor centres, woodlands, trails, and car parks will be closed on Saturday to ensure public safety. Although coastal flooding is not currently expected, large waves caused by storm-force winds could pose significant danger. NRW is urging residents to:

• Avoid seafronts and promenades to reduce the risk of being swept away by waves.
• Take preparatory steps now to protect homes and businesses, such as moving valuables and vehicles to higher ground and packing a flood kit.

Stay Informed and Prepared

NRW offers a free flood warning service and updates flood alerts every 15 minutes:

• Sign up at naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
• Check flood alerts and warnings regularly online.

Becky Favager, Duty Tactical Manager for NRW, said:
“Storm Darragh is expected to have a significant impact across Wales. Rivers are already swollen, and with ground conditions so wet, we anticipate a high number of flood alerts and warnings.

“Our teams have been working around the clock, checking defences impacted by Storm Bert and preparing for Darragh’s arrival. With red and amber warnings in place, we’ve closed our visitor sites to protect the public. We strongly urge people to avoid riverbanks, seafronts, and floodwaters, as they pose serious safety risks.

“Sign up for our free flood warning service and take time now to prepare for potential flooding. Check your local flood risk on our website and ensure you have a flood kit with essentials like important documents and medication.”

NRW reminds the public to:

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as unseen hazards may lurk beneath.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit the NRW website for updates and practical advice.

Flood alerts and warnings are available online and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Residents can also check NRW’s five-day flood forecast for their area and find tips on preparing for potential flooding.

CARDIGAN’S Giant Lantern Parade, a highlight of the festive season, has been postponed as Storm Darragh is forecast to bring severe weather to the UK.

The much-anticipated event, organised by Small World Theatre, was scheduled for 7:00pm on Friday, December 6, following its successful return last year after a three-year break.

However, with the Met Office issuing warnings for heavy rain and wind gusts exceeding 50mph in Cardigan, organisers made the difficult decision to postpone.

In a statement, Small World Theatre said:
“We regret to notify you that due to severe weather warnings, the Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade is postponed.

“The event was supposed to take place on Friday, December 6, and the new date and time will be released soon.

“We truly regret any inconvenience this causes businesses and the many people who’ve made arrangements to come to Cardigan on Friday.

“Don’t be too disappointed, the Lantern Parade will be amazing and we will pull out all the stops to make this a magnificent Christmas event to remember.”

Festival of Light continues

This year, the Lantern Parade was part of the expanded Festival of Light, or Gŵyl y Golau, which launched on November 30 with the switching on of Cardigan’s Christmas lights. Running until December 20, the festival features a light trail, Christmas displays, and a festive programme of events organised by Small World Theatre and supported by Cardigan Town Council.

Highlights include permanently installed giant lanterns on buildings, light-themed exhibitions at Canfas, artists’ films, and dazzling light displays throughout the town.

The festival has been made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by the Cynnal y Cardi team for Ceredigion County Council.

For updates on the rescheduled parade, visit creativecardigan.com or follow ‘Gŵyl y Golau – Festival of Light’ on Facebook.

A magical Christmas event still awaits

Despite the weather setback, organisers remain determined to deliver an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for announcements about the new date for the Lantern Parade, which promises to light up the town with festive cheer.

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction, which gained a 3,500-strong petition of support after previously being refused by planning officers, is being given a “last chance saloon” to justify staying open ahead of a site visit.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by the council’s own educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

The attraction was set up as a form of diversification after the farm lost its entire cattle herd through bovine tuberculosis; developing over time to having more than 150 children and students visiting a week.

It was previously refused by officers due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July backing a decision for it to be made by councillors rather than officers.

The application was due to be heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application, the application returning to the December meeting to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address planning issues.

It was again recommended for refusal at the December meeting.

Speaking at the December meeting, agent Carys Thomas felt highways concerns could be dealt with through passing bays and temporary signage, an informal agreement having been entered into with a local landowner.

Local member Cllr Jamie Adams said the area had seen a decline in agricultural stock vehicle movements, following a decline in cattle numbers, suggesting concerns about increased traffic generated by the attraction was something of “a misnomer”.

He added: “Without supporting the changing needs of farms in Pembrokeshire we will lose the economic drivers of our communities, communities like mine in Camrose, it’s farms that support many of the other rural business and many of the services in the communities.”

One of the sticking points for officers was the length of time of the “long and arduous process” of the various applications and their reasons for refusal, dating back some 18 months, with what they saw as insufficient information to address their concerns, members heard.

Cllr John T Davies moved a site visit before any decision, allowing the applicants a final chance to address the planning issues, describing his proposal as “a final opportunity, a last-chance saloon,” adding: “If it’s not addressed by then I will be very clear in my vote of refusal; one final opportunity, one final throw of the dice.”

Members, by eight votes to four, backed a site visit ahead of a final decision, the application expected to return to the February meeting.