Tourists caught out by high tides in Carmarthenshire

The high tide threatened to strand and ruin a number of vehicles which had been left in the main car park at Laugharne

Eight flood watches remain in place as the highest tides of the year hit the Welsh coastline.

The Environment Agency said there was localised flooding along the coast of Carmarthenshire on Thursday evening as the tide reached around 9m (30ft).

It is monitoring the situation with further high tides predicted on Friday.

School children in Laugharne were praised as they alerted the owners of cars threatened with being stranded by the rising water.

Alan Evans, editor of the St Clears Times, said they took the registration numbers of the cars and set off on foot and bicycles to the pubs and cafes around the town to try and locate the owners to warn them.

Jenny Wardle of the Green Room in Laugharne said: "They came in shouting out the registration numbers of the cars, suffice to say that many of my customers rushed out and didn't stay for dessert."

Despite their efforts a number of vehicles did fall victim to the sea.

The Environment Agency said whilst no properties were affected localised flooding did occur in Tintern, Carmarthen Bay and Laugharne.

Holyhead Costguard said on Friday evening that two adults were rescued from the roof of their car, which was stuck in flood water, at Shell Island, Gwynedd.

As of 1300 BST on Friday eight flood watches remained in place, with a flood warning on the Wye estuary at Tintern in Monmouthshire.

It was monitoring rainfall, sea surge, wind and waves in the lead up to Friday evening and said the likelihood was further flood watches and a small number of flood warnings would be issued.

The agency's director in Wales, Chris Mills, said: "Our officers have been out checking key flood defences and assets to make sure they are in good condition and monitoring high tides.

"We remain in contact with the Met Office and continue to receive regular updates on the weather situation."

People with concerns should call the Floodline on 08459881188.

The high tide in Swansea on Friday morning Photo: Mike Davies