News
Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels
FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.
NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.
The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.
“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.
“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”
Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.
“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force
NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:
- River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
- River Ritec at Tenby
- River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
- River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli
Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.
Flood alerts issued
In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.
NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.
Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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