Weather Warnings Issued for Wales
The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for wind gusts reaching up to 80mph in parts of Wales. The warnings anticipate a period of very strong winds that could disrupt travel and cause damage to roads, particularly affecting north and west Wales.
Many tourists who had planned to spend the Easter weekend in these regions have cancelled their trips, raising concerns about the impact on the local tourism industry.
Charles Carnall, owner of Shoreside Caravans and Camping in Rhosneigr said: "The vast majority [of campers] have cancelled this morning and they started cancelling yesterday."
The Met Office has advised the public to avoid driving or being outdoors during the high winds.
The amber weather warning is effective from 19:00 BST on Saturday until 03:00 on Sunday, covering specific areas in Wales. Additionally, a yellow weather warning is in place from 17:00 on Saturday until 07:00 on Sunday, covering other parts of the region.
Storm Dave's Progress and Expected Impact
Meteorologist and broadcaster Claire Nasir provided details on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast about the storm's development and expected effects.
"Storm Dave is developing across the Atlantic, the centre of the low is going to skirt the Northern Ireland towards Scotland, so we're on the southern flank of that.
Gusts will reach inland, probably about 50 to 60mph along the coast, possibly a little higher than that.
We're talking about severe gales and associated high waves as well.
There will be some heavy rain through evening time, the peak of the winds are likely to be from about five, six o'clock through to probably before midnight.
That's when the worst weather will hit these parts, but its going to be windy across every part of Wales. It's going to be a lively and noisy night, there's risk of flying debris, also a small chance of power cuts as well."
She described the storm as "vicious" but noted it will pass quickly, with Monday expected to be a pleasant day.
Tourism Sector Responses
Speaking on Radio Wales Breakfast, Charles Carnall commented on the situation at Shoreside Caravans and Camping.
"A few hardened campers have carried on with their plans but it is very lucky... we're able to take touring vans and motorhomes as well."
"We are here to help customers in case things go wrong. We're very lucky as well that we have numerous other people on the park who help to keep an eye out for each other, but it does make things difficult for people."
When asked about the financial impact of the storm on the campsite, Carnall added:
"By the time you've mowed the fields, cleaned the toilets, got all your fire safety certificates in place, everything ready to go, it's always better to have more people rather than fewer."
Adrian Wright from Cefn Coed campsite in Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, shared his observations:
"We had somebody with a birthday party planned and they cancelled because they were scared of getting trapped by the storm.
In terms of percentages, less than 5% cancel but it's been people who have been seeing it on the news and the TV and they've panicked a bit."
Nia Rhys Jones from Anglesey, with over 30 years of experience in the tourism sector, highlighted the importance of Easter as the official start of the holiday season.
Speaking on Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast, she noted the challenges the storm poses for tourism.
She said she was supposed to do tours with the holidaymakers on two luxury cruises and "lots of cottages have been booked with lots of attractions across the island depending on these tourists", but the cruises have decided to stay in Liverpool rather than docking at Holyhead.
