Storm Ciarán: Tenby holiday park evacuates guests as severe flood warning issued

media wales credit
Caravan park, Kiln Park, has had to evacuate due to severe flood warnings in the Tenby area. Credit: Media Wales

A holiday park in Tenby is evacuating guests as Wales prepares for the arrival of Storm Ciarán

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain, meaning some disruption could be on the way.

The notice has been issued from 6pm this evening until the end of Thursday.

The River Ritec in Tenby has a severe flood warning and a flood alert is in place for South Pembrokeshire.

The playing field resembled a lake as storm Ciarán hits Tenby Credit: Media Wales

A flood alert for the Pembrokeshire coast is no longer in force.

Natural Resources Wales said in a post on Facebook: "A severe flood warning has been issued for the River Ritec, Tenby in anticipation of Storm Ciaran's rainfall which could lead to record river levels.

"This covers the Kiln Park Holiday Site which has already experienced flooding and is already evacuating guests."

A severe flood alert is in place for the River Ritec in Tenby Credit: Natural Resources Wales

Holidaymakers at the site have been posting on social media one said: "We are starting to get waterlogged.

"Little rivers have burst their banks and we got more rain with a storm chucked in for good measure lol. Might swap my car for a boat."

Another guest said: "We are so disappointed our holiday down Kiln Park has been cancelled due to flooding and its going to get worse!

"I got as far as Cardiff when I had a phone call that site staff are asking every one to leave ! Mam, dad and Dylan on their way back after they have waded through the water to pack the car up!"

Natural Resources Wales issued a severe flood warning for the River Ritec in Tenby Credit: Media Wales

A spokesperson for Kiln Park said: "Due to severe weather conditions and persistent heavy rainfall, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Kiln Park.

They continued: "The safety and security of our guests, owners and team is our top priority and we are in dialogue with local authorities to ensure guests are safely evacuated from the park”.

Northern Wales will see the most rain, with the potential for 100mm (nearly 4in) over 36 hours.

With coastal gusts anticipated, the Met Office is advising people to not go near the water's edge. Once the storm has passed the outlook will continue to remain unsettled for the weekend.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: "Warnings will continue to be updated over the coming days, so it is important to stay up to date with the Met Office forecast and warnings in your area." 

Rain warning: What to expect

  • Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible

  • Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

  • Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads

  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life

Wind warning: What to expect

  • Very strong and potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Ciarán are likely late Wednesday onwards into Thursday.

  • Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible

  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

  • Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

  • Some roads and bridges may close

  • Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

  • Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

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