News
Storms brewing: Pembrokeshire braces for weekend washout
The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for Pembrokeshire this weekend, as thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to cause significant disruptions across the county.
The first warning is in effect on Saturday, 21st September, from 1am until 11.59pm. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are forecast, bringing the potential for flooding, power cuts, and, in some cases, a risk to life.
A second warning has been issued for Sunday, 22nd September, also running from midnight until 11.59pm. This time, heavy rain is expected to impact the region, again causing potential disruptions.
What to Expect on Saturday, 21st September
The Met Office has warned that the thunderstorms and heavy showers could lead to several issues:
- • Difficult driving conditions and road closures due to spray and sudden flooding
- • Potential for some communities to become cut off by flooded roads
- • Delays or cancellations to bus and train services
- • Power cuts and disruptions to other services
- • Homes and businesses may experience rapid flooding, with potential damage from floodwater, lightning, hail, or strong winds
- • Fast-flowing or deep floodwater may pose a danger to life
A Met Office spokesperson added: “While there is some uncertainty in the details, scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop and spread northwestwards at times later on Friday night and throughout Saturday. Although much of the time will remain dry, where storms do occur, 20-40mm of rain could fall in under an hour, with the possibility of 50-70mm over a few hours. Hail and frequent lightning may also accompany the most intense storms, particularly during Saturday afternoon and evening.”
What to Expect on Sunday, 22nd September
On Sunday, the primary concern will be heavy rain, with the Met Office warning of similar risks to those on Saturday, including:
- • Difficult driving conditions and temporary road closures due to spray and flooding
- • Rural communities could become temporarily cut off
- • Significant delays or cancellations to public transport services
- • Homes and businesses may experience flooding, with potential structural damage
- • Power cuts and loss of other essential services
The Met Office spokesperson noted: “Showers and thunderstorms are expected to merge into broader areas of heavy rain across parts of Wales, central, and southern England on Sunday. There is the potential for rainfall totals of 30-50mm in less than six hours, with some areas seeing 60-80mm over 12-24 hours.”
Southwest England is also expected to be affected by heavy rain early on Sunday morning, which may develop into slow-moving, heavy downpours during the day.
How to Prepare for the Weather Warnings
The Met Office has provided advice to help residents prepare for the incoming weather and reduce risks. A spokesperson said:
- “Consider whether your location is at risk of flash flooding and, if so, prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.”
- “Secure any loose outdoor items, such as bins, garden furniture, and trampolines, before strong winds arrive.”
- “Check road conditions and public transport timetables before travelling to avoid delays.”
- “Prepare for power cuts by gathering torches, batteries, and other essentials, such as a mobile phone power pack.”
- “If you find yourself outside during a storm, seek shelter in an enclosed space such as a car, and avoid trees or structures that could be struck by lightning.”
- “In elevated areas, move to lower ground for safety.”
The yellow weather warnings are expected to remain in place from 1am on Saturday, 21st September, until 11.59pm on Sunday, 22nd September. Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and to be prepared for any changes to the warnings.
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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