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.
Local Government
Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall
THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.
Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).
Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.
Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.
“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.
“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.
“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”
Crime
Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.
James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.
He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.
Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.
He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.
News
Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly
All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene
A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.
The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.
Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.
A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”
A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.
The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.
Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.
Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.
Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.
The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
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