HEAVY rain and strong winds are expected to blast Pembrokeshire this weekend, as weather warnings for flooding and disruption have been issued.

A band of heavy rain followed by heavy showers or thunderstorms could bring disruption across the county, according to the Met Office, which has issued a yellow weather warning for rain on Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10.

At the same time, strong winds are expected to cause some disruption during Friday afternoon and all-day Saturday.

The rain warning covers most of Britain south of the Scottish border, aside from parts of south east England.

According to the Met Office, there is a chance homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

Fast flowing or deep floodwater could also cause danger to life.

Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.

The Friday wind warning covers Wales and the south west of England, but on Saturday, this has been extended across all of the south of England.

HM Coastguard Dale shared a weather warning from the Port of Milford Haven, which predicts "winds gusting to 50 Knots, Force 10 Storm."

The coastguard added: "All mooring holders are asked to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of vessels on moorings.

"We would recommend alternative arrangements to using your moorings are considered to minimise potential damage."

Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities are likely to be affected by spray or large waves

Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are expected, with some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.

Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport expected with fallen trees are possible.

For more details, visit metoffice.gov.uk

Milford Mercury:

Cancelled events

Due to the heavy weather, events scheduled for the weekend are being cancelled and postponed.

Cardigan Carnival has been postponed, with the organising committee currently considering September 7 as a new date for the celebration.

See the group's Facebook for more information.

Abercych Summer Festival has also been postponed until August 17.

Scleddau and Trecwn's community day has been cancelled.

Fishguard RNLI Lifeboat open night has been postponed until Sunday, August 11, and will start at 4pm due to the tide.

The duck race will also take place on Sunday.

Happy Days Childcare Pembrokeshire's Milford Haven fun day, planned for Saturday, has also been cancelled.

Happy Days plans to reschedule the event for September.

Pembrokeshire County Council has issued advice to tourists about the weather: "Tourists in Pembrokeshire camping and caravan sites are asked to be prepared for the heavy rain and strong winds forecast for the area over the next couple of days.

"Campers are advised to ensure their tents are secure.

"The public in general are asked to be aware of rough seas when visiting the county’s coastline.

"The county council is also hoping to contact organisers of outdoor events including the Pembrokeshire agricultural show.

"The three-day event begins next week and a number of marquees have already been erected on the Withybush site."

Lifeguard warning

RNLI lifeguards are strongly recommending that members of the public don’t go swimming in the sea this weekend, as strong winds can create large waves and changing currents, which can cause even strong swimmers to struggle.

The RNLI encourages the public to leave their inflatables at home, as the strong winds that are predicted can drag them far out to sea.

Lifeguard Supervisor in South Pembrokeshire Adam Pitman, said: "We recommend that members of the public don’t plan a day down at the beach this weekend, as we are expecting some bad weather, and therefore unpredictable sea conditions.

"If you do go out to sea at all, make sure that you carry a means of calling for help, and if you see someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

Those who do decide to go to the beach should visit a lifeguarded one, and only swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by lifeguards.

RNLI lifeguards assess the weather and sea conditions throughout the day and change the flags on the beach accordingly.