'Do not travel' advice for west Wales as winds hit

Wind and rain hit the coast of Tenby in Pembrokeshire

People in west Wales have been urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary, as thousands of homes across the country are left without power.

Pembrokeshire council said there was a "great risk" of falling debris from buildings and trees as strong winds continued into Wednesday evening.

The Met Office had issued a red "take action" warning for coastal areas.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales fire service both advised people to stay indoors.

Train and ferry services were affected and several roads were closed due to fallen trees.

Pembrokeshire council said winds of 93.6 mph had been recorded on the Cleddau Bridge.

"The message is - don't travel or walk unless you really, really have to," the authority's head of highways, Darren Thomas said.

"Also, if you are travelling with caravans or mobile homes, it would be sensible to seek a sheltered location for these until the winds have died down," he added.

Western Power Distribution said thousands of homes were without power across south and west Wales.

And a school bus was hit by a tree in Pembrokeshire but no children were on board.

Fallen trees at Gumfreston near Tenby

Carmarthenshire council said it would send gritters out on main routes on Wednesday night when temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.

First Great Western train services between Paddington and Swansea were disrupted, along with some Arriva services.

Some ferry services from Fishguard were cancelled and more than 20 schools across Pembrokeshire closed early.

Narberth Castle was shut for safety reasons.

Milford Haven's Torch Theatre shut early due to the bad weather. Anyone with tickets for Wednesday night's performances will receive a full refund.

Meanwhile, in Carmarthenshire, Pembrey and Llyn Llech Owain country parks were closed because of a risk of falling trees. Abergwili Museum and Parc Howard Museum were also closed.

Emergency services were called to the Square and Compass petrol station, on the A487 near Fishguard, after parts of the roof came loose. The road was closed.

A door was also blown off a bus as it travelled along the A487 at Penycwm in Pembrokeshire. No-one was injured.

Storm damage at the Square and Compass petrol station

A fallen tree blocks the road between Llangwm and Troopers Inn in Pembrokeshire on Wednesday