SEVERE winter weather brought by Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption across Pembrokeshire on Thursday evening ( Jan 8 ), with heavy snowfall, road closures, power cuts and burst water mains reported in several areas.

Conditions were particularly severe in the north and east of the county, where heavy snow and strong northerly winds led to drifting, dangerous driving conditions and the closure of key routes.

Emergency services and highways crews were placed under significant pressure as the weather deteriorated, with authorities urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Snow and sleet fell heavily throughout the evening before gradually turning to rain later at lower levels. Road surface temperatures dropped close to freezing, increasing the risk of ice and hoar frost, while strong winds around midnight worsened drifting snow in exposed areas.

Elsewhere across Pembrokeshire, heavy rain led to surface water flooding, particularly on untreated roads.

Several roads were affected, with the B4329 closed due to blizzard conditions, a situation expected to continue for some time. Problems were also reported on the B4313, while the A478 between Clunderwen and Cardigan was left with significant snow accumulation in places.

Untreated and secondary routes in the north and east of the county were described as potentially dangerous or impassable due to drifting snow followed by ice.

The storm also caused infrastructure issues, with power cuts reported around Clunderwen and Bridell, affecting around 300 properties. Burst water mains were reported in Clunderwen and Prendergast, Haverfordwest, adding to the disruption.

All available gritters and snow ploughs were deployed across the county, with crews working in extremely challenging conditions to keep the primary road network open. However, officials warned that ploughing operations were becoming unsafe at times due to the severity of the weather, and some operations may be temporarily paused to protect staff safety.

Blustery showers are forecast to move in from the north-west on Friday morning, with further wintry conditions possible on higher ground. Forecasts remain subject to change, and residents are advised to keep up to date with the latest weather warnings.

Authorities continue to urge people to only travel if essential and to drive according to conditions.

MS seeks clarity after reports Labour may reverse increases in England

A PEMBROKESHIRE Senedd Member has written to the Welsh Government seeking clarity over business rates in Wales following reports that the UK Labour Government is preparing to reverse proposed increases in England.

Samuel Kurtz MS, the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Finance after it emerged that Labour ministers in Westminster may reconsider planned changes to business rates amid strong opposition from hospitality and high-street businesses.

Mr Kurtz said he had spoken to a number of local businesses across Pembrokeshire and west Wales and warned that recent increases in rateable values, combined with rising operating costs, were placing significant pressure on otherwise viable firms.

He said several businesses had closed over the Christmas period, with owners citing extremely challenging economic conditions following successive UK Labour Government budgets. For some, he said, increases in business rates had been described as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

In his letter, Mr Kurtz asked whether the Welsh Government intends to follow any change of direction taken in England and what support is currently available to Welsh businesses facing sharp increases in their rates bills.

He also sought clarification on what consideration is being given to cases where higher business rates could place firms at risk of closure.

The Welsh Government has previously stated that business rates revaluation is intended to reflect changes in rental values rather than raise additional revenue, and that transitional relief and targeted support schemes are in place to help businesses adjust.

Mr Kurtz said further engagement with local firms was needed to understand the real-world impact of the changes.

Alongside Paul Davies MS, he is hosting an online meeting for local businesses on Monday, January 26, at 10:30am. The session will aim to explain what changes are taking place and give business owners the opportunity to raise concerns directly.

Businesses affected by changes to business rates have been invited to contact Mr Kurtz’s office for further information.

SEVERE weather brings snow, ice and strong winds as Network Rail and Transport for Wales introduce service alterations

Rail passengers across Wales and the Borders are being urged to check before travelling as severe weather from Storm Goretti is expected to cause disruption over the next 24 hours.

Network Rail and Transport for Wales confirmed that service alterations are already in place on Thursday (Jan 8) and are expected to continue into Friday (Jan 9), as heavy snow, ice, strong winds and periods of rain affect the network.

A yellow weather warning for snow is in force from 3:00pm on Thursday until 12:00pm on Friday, with up to 30cm of snow possible in some areas. Winds of 40–50mph are also forecast, increasing the risk of fallen trees and further disruption. In some locations, snow may turn to sleet or rain, bringing a risk of localised flooding.

Network Rail warned that snow, ice and freezing temperatures can severely affect rail operations, particularly points, signalling equipment and track conditions. Because of hazardous road conditions, rail replacement buses will not be able to operate where lines are closed.

As a precaution, Network Rail teams have already begun a range of measures, including inspecting key drainage sites, checking points heating systems, deploying additional snow and ice treatment trains and snow ploughs, and placing chainsaw teams on standby to deal with fallen trees.

Transport for Wales said it is also preparing by gritting platforms, readying trains for icy conditions and working closely with Network Rail to adjust service patterns as conditions worsen.

Passengers are being advised to check their journey before travelling and throughout the day, allow extra time, and take extra care at stations, where platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery. Rail tickets dated Thursday (Jan 8) can be used for travel up to Sunday (Jan 11).

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said the storm was expected to bring “challenging conditions” from Thursday afternoon and overnight, adding that some lines may need to close from mid-afternoon Thursday and into Friday to keep passengers and staff safe.

Patrick Allinson, Head of Control Operations at Transport for Wales, said the operator was working closely with Network Rail to monitor conditions across the network and urged passengers to check for the latest travel updates before setting off.