PEMBROKESHIRE has been hit hard by a powerful storm, bringing widespread disruption to roads, power lines, and infrastructure. Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the impact and ensure public safety.

Key routes across the county have been shut due to fallen trees, hazardous debris, and damaged structures. Among the most significant closures are:

• Cleddau Bridge: Closed to all high sided vehicles due to safety concerns.
• A478 Pentlepoir to New Hedges: Impassable until further notice.
• A40 Treffgarne to Wolfscastle: Blocked by a large tree, awaiting clearance once the red weather warning is lifted.
• B4327 Dale Road: Closed near Walwyn’s Castle due to a large tree obstructing the road.
• Wiston to Clarbeston Road: Closure enforced due to live power cables making clearance unsafe.

Additional closures include sections of the A4075, B4332, and multiple rural roads across the county. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and use alternative routes where possible.

Ongoing clearance efforts

Local teams and specialist contractors are battling challenging conditions to reopen key routes. Notable progress includes:

• Clearing trees and debris from the B4329 near Scolton Manor and Withybush Road in Haverfordwest.
• Removing hazards along the B4330 and surrounding areas, including multiple trees down near Mathry and Wolfscastle.

Power Outages and Structural Damage

Over 2,300 properties in Pembrokeshire are without power as National Grid crews work to restore services. Vulnerable residents are receiving priority support, and the public is encouraged to check on their neighbours during the outages.

Reports of structural damage include:

• Flying roof tiles in Howarth Close, Milford Haven.
• Shop signs down in Charles Street, Milford Haven
• Tree toppled, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven
• A collapsed wall on College Road, Neyland, leading to footpath closures.
• A garage canopy hazard at Begelly, now cleared by emergency teams.

Advice to residents

Pembrokeshire County Council has urged patience as they handle a surge in reports of fallen trees and hazardous conditions. Residents are encouraged to report new issues by calling 0345 6015522.

The public is also reminded to avoid unnecessary travel and to keep clear of dangerous structures and fallen power lines.

Power cuts and safety

National Grid has confirmed 23 separate incidents affecting electricity supply. Repairs are ongoing, but the situation may persist in some areas for several hours. Residents can report power outages by calling 105.

The Herald’s coverage continues

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to provide live updates as the storm unfolds. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest developments.

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.