BLOWN TO PIECES
ACLEAN-UP operation is underway after winds destroyed caravans at holiday parks.
Storm Emma caused thousands of pounds worth of damage as she wreaked havoc in coastal areas between Barmouth and Harlech.
Holidaymakers were urged to stay away from Sunnysands Caravan Park, Talybont, on Friday, with the site closed for the weekend due to dangerous flying debris and frozen pipes.
More than 50 caravans were damaged along with the roof of the site’s main building by winds described by staff as “utterly terrifying”.
Director Jeremy Mead said: “We have never seen anything like the easterly wind we had, it was well over 70mph and you just could not stand up. Everyone has reported how utterly terrifying the storm was – the noises of things crashing, being ripped apart and flying about, and also with it being dark and not being able to
see the damage being caused around them.
“Not one of us had a wink of sleep that night. Luckily no-one was injured, but noone was evacuated as we weren’t given any warning about the severity of the storm and the strength the winds would reach.”
He added: “The damage caused to over 50 caravans resulted in panels being blown off. But the main damage was to the roof on the main building. We were without power for two days and are still without water.”
Mr Mead said there were only a handful of people staying at the site at the time, most of them staff, as the park is only open to caravan owners until March 17.
Now their efforts are concentrated on cleaning up and making repairs in time for the Easter break after contacting owners of the affected caravans.
He added: “Despite the damage we are coping and should be back up and running in the next few days.”