PEMBROKESHIRE will face severe weather as Storm Callum passes to the northwest of the UK the MET Office has said. The bad weather is expected to last until 6pm on Saturday (Oct 13).

Most of the county has now been upgraded from a yellow to an amber warning for rainfall.

The Met Office warning states: “As Storm Callum passes to the northwest of the UK, a period of heavy rain will affect South Wales during Friday, with further spells of persistent and heavy rain at times during Saturday.
“Rainfall totals will reach 40-80 mm widely with 120-160 mm likely over the high ground exposed to the south and south west.
“The rain is expected to be accompanied by strong winds, which when combined with high tides may lead to some coastal impacts due to large waves. In addition, leaves and twigs, brought down by the wind, could block drains and culverts, increasing the likelihood of flooding.”
Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: “Strong winds at this time of year can increase the rate of leaf fall which can potentially block drains or culverts and, with the heavy rainfall expected over Friday and Saturday, could well heighten the potential for flooding.
“There is also a risk that the high winds associated with Storm Callum, combined with high tides, may lead to some coastal impacts due to large waves.”

The Council is warning motorists to take extra care on Pembrokeshire’s roads on Friday and Saturday.

A combination of winds up to 60 mph and heavy rainfall are set to make driving conditions hazardous – including along the coast at times of high tides. The Met office has issued an Amber Warning for heavy rain and a Yellow Warning for strong winds.

At this time of year the wind is also likely to cause more leaves to fall on the roads, which can block drains and increase localised surface flooding.

Richard Brown, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Environmental Services and Public Protection, said that although Council staff would be working continuously to clear the roads, motorists would need to be vigilant.

“Despite clearance efforts by the Council, the high winds will increase the amount of falling leaves and block drains very quickly, exacerbating flooding” he warned.

He also urged extra care along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

“Natural Resources Wales has issued flood alerts for the Pembrokeshire coast due to a low pressure system bringing tidal surges, strong winds and large waves on top of high astronomical tide period” he continued.

“The public are asked to be careful on all roads due to surface water flooding and in coastal areas, especially at high tide. Road users should also be aware of the risk of their vehicles aquaplaning on standing water.”

Pembrokeshire County Council is working with multi-agency partners to monitor the situation. Any developments will be posted at:  www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/alerts

For more information on flooding, including how to sign up for flood alerts, view www.naturalresources.wales/flooding

For the latest weather information go to: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings

Between 06:00 Fri 12th and 18:00 Sat 13th
Storm Callum bringing periods of heavy rain during Friday and continuing into Saturday – particularly over south facing hills.

What to expect
Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads
Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely