PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is urging people to take every possible safety precaution tomorrow (Friday) and only travel if absolutely necessary as a major storm head towards Wales.
Storm Eunice, which is expected to hit in the early hours of Friday morning has the potential to be one of the most powerful storms experienced for a number of years.
Gusts of up to 90-100mph are expected along the coast and an Amber wind warning has been put in place by the Met Office. A rare Red warning is in place for other parts of Wales.
Due to the seriousness of the storm and its likely impacts, all Pembrokeshire County Council Day Centres and associated community activity will be closed on Friday.
The Haverfordwest Farmers Market planned for Friday has also been cancelled.
Withybush Woods in Haverfordwest will be closed from 5pm tonight and remain closed throughout Friday due to the risk of the high winds. The woods will be reopened when deemed safe.
Further service closures are likely to be announced today as more data and forecasts are received.
This will be a fast moving situation and residents are asked to keep in touch with the latest information via Pembrokeshire County Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Follow the Council on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PembrokeshireCountyCouncil
And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pembrokeshire (search #pccalerts).
The above links will also feature the latest situation updates as the storm progresses on Friday.
Situation updates are also available at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/situation-updates
The storm’s impact will be exacerbated by current high tides, creating the likelihood of coastal flooding.
Road closures are likely around the coast, particularly in areas such as Newgale, Amroth and Dale.
The Council has previously issued warnings that the Cleddau Bridge is likely to be closed for prolonged periods on Friday and anyone who has to travel should check in advance.
“The message is don’t leave home unless you really, really have to on Friday,” said Darren Thomas, Council Head of Infrastructure.
“If you do have to venture out please give yourself extra time to make your journey and be aware that some roads may be closed.
“I cannot emphasise enough how dangerous it could be around the coastline.
“The exceptionally strong winds and very high tides will make conditions treacherous. Please do not risk your life for the sake of a photograph of the waves.”
The public is asked to be vigilant in relation to the potential damage to buildings and other structures, resulting in tiles and other debris falling in public areas.
The winds could also lead to power cuts.
Pembrokeshire residents can help by reporting non emergency incidents by email.
Please use the email address [email protected]
If you need to call, the Council’s Contact Centre will be open from 7am on Friday. Call 01437 764551.
Out of hours the number is 0345 601 5522.
Householders are also urged to secure items around their homes to prepare for the exceptionally strong winds expected.
Pembrokeshire County Council and partner agencies across Mid and West Wales have been meeting regularly to prepare for the storm.
The Council continues to monitor the situation closely and has teams on standby across the County.
The Council would ask for patience while dealing with incidents over the coming days.
The weather for the weekend is set to be more rain and wind which could potentially delay the response to some incidents
Visit the Met Office website for updates on the weather situation: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
and check the NRW website for the latest flood warnings: https://naturalresources.wales/flooding/?lang=en
