News
Storm Callum: Trees blocking roads and flood warnings in place [UPDATED]
AN AMBER weather warning is still in place for Pembriokeshire, with minor incidents being dealt with by Pembrokeshire County Council this morning (Oct 12) following high winds and heavy rain overnight.
A flood alert for parts of the Pembrokeshire coast is in place, and fallen trees are blocking some roads.
Drivers have been told to take care on the roads, with the increased chance of blocked drains caused by leaves.
The Cleddau Bridge may be closed due to high winds at certain points in the day.
Trains from Carmarthen to Swansea are not running overnight.
Show Cancelled at Torch Theatre:
A Torch Theatre spokesperson has dai: “Due to the exceptionally high winds and adverse weather conditions we have currently closed the building and will not be screening The Seagull at 5:45pm today.”
Power Cuts Reported:
Pembrokeshire County Council has reported the following power cuts:
- 49 properties without power on New Road, Hook. Western Power currently estimating to be resolved by 19.00.
- 265 properties without power in Trefgarne Owen. Western Power currently estimating to be resolved by 16.30
- 146 properties without power In Little Newcastle Area. Western Power currently estimating to be resolved by 15.30
Damaged Garage in Llanion:
Sean Lowe said on Facebook: “This happened up Llanion suspect its the wind, make sure all your stuff is secure, don’t want anyone getting hurt. If this is your house, I knocked but no one answered, was checking you were OK.”
Charles Street, Milford Haven:
Police had stopped pedestrians and cars from going down Charles St in Milford Haven after the Spar junction due to structural damage on a building which is causing a hazard.
Cleddau Bridge:
Wind direction has currently changed, however it is still forecast to return to problematic direction, therefore it is expected that bridge may be closed to high sided vehicles for part of this afternoon, however it is unlikely to be closed to all traffic at present.
Cancelled Trains:
There will be no services operating between Swansea & Carmarthen between 7am and 11am, and also after 7pm on both today (Oct 12) & Saturday (Oct 13).
A very limited replacement bus service will operate. Where trains are running, they will run at reduced speed.
Flood Alerts:
A flood alert is in place by Natural Resources Wales for the Pembrokeshire coast between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth.
NRW said in the alert: “From Friday the 12th October, as tidal surge, winds and wave heights increase small amounts of wave overtopping can be expected at the most exposed locations. Be careful on beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths, roads, low lying land, close to the estuary during this period. We will update this message as the situation changes.”
Situation on the Roads & coast:
Rainfall yesterday caused surface water flooding, especially in locations where leaves were blocking drains. Pre-emptive work had been undertaken. All resources were out and committed to clearance work.
Signs have been erected in known hotspots. It is anticipated that today’s rain, coupled with high wind and falling leaves/trees, will increase localised surface water flooding and disruption countywide.
The council has issued a warning highlighting the risk of standing water, aquaplaning and hazardous driving conditions.
There have been no issues reported overnight and with this morning’s high tide around the coast there are trees blocking the road at the moment.
Trees blocking roads in south Pembrokeshire:
Tree blocking B4318 road at Gumfreston being cleared – Crews in attendance to clear
Lower Lamphey Road – Tree down – Crews en route.
Tree at Bowett Wood, Pembroke to Hundleton road, has been cleared
Trees blocking roads in north Pembrokeshire:
Tree down across the road at Rosepool hill on the Broadhaven to Nolton road – Crews en route
Tree down at Llan y cefn on the Maenchlogog road – Crews en route
Tree down across the road on the old whitesands road in St David’s Quickwell and Penarthir crossroads – just up from Dan Y Rhiw – crews en route
Large Branch obstructing road at Cilwendeg between Boncath and Abercych – Crews in attendance
Transport:
Road Safety Wales has said: “Poor weather conditions forecast today so if you’re travelling:
• Keep your distance
• Reduce your speed
• Use dipped headlights
• Keep all windows demisted (using air conditioning may help)
• Be aware that motorcyclists and cyclists need to avoid wet drains and manholes”
Additional arrangements:
Arrangements have been made with Pembroke Barrage and Sluice gate at Carew Bridge to manage water levels.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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