Boss of Llandudno Pier fears 'it will take a miracle' for iconic landmark to survive Storm Darragh

It would be a 'miracle' if the famous Llandudno Pier withstood the havoc wreacked by Storm Darragh, its boss has warned. Wales has been lashed with the worst of the conditions which have swept across the UK.

Winds of up to 93mph were recorded in Capel Curig in North Wales overnight. A Met Office red weather warning and an unprecedented government 'risk to life' warning have been issued in parts of the country, as well as south west England.

The renowned pier in Llandudno has already sustained damage due to the storm, with one kiosk being torn from its foundations and others suffering roof damage, reports North Wales Live.

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The greatest concern is the high tide expected at the popular seaside resort, which could potentially engulf the entire structure if wind speeds remain high. High tide is at 2.42pm this afternoon. Wind speeds are expected to remain at close to 70mph in Llandudno for much of the afternoon, with gales blowing in from the north.

Adam Williams, who has owned the site since 2015, described the weather as "biblical." "We have never known it so bad" he said. "The tide still has a long way to come in yet, if it survives it will be a miracle."

He also expressed gratitude for the money spent on reinforcing the structure over the summer, but lamented that "so much good work can be undone in the space of a few hours. I've never seen the swell so big, the buildings are the bit I'm worried about, if the sea comes over the pier."

The Llandudno Pier, dating back to 1878, is an expensive structure to maintain and Adam was currently undertaking a major project to reopen a second entrance to the structure.

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