THERE was widespread disruption and damage to properties around Aberystwyth on Monday as ex-hurricane Ophelia hit with winds gusting up to 60mph.

Following flood warnings for the promenade and predictions of hurricane-force winds of up to 80mph, Aberystwyth University took the decision to close the majority of its buildings and services at 4pm, including Aberystwyth Arts Centre which cancelled all scheduled performances.

But the university did not evacuate its seafront student accommodation as it has done in previous years.

Accompanied with the high tide, strong winds — which Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat station measured gusting up to around 60mph, or storm force 10 — and large swell brought waves crashing onto Aberystwyth promenade on Monday evening.

In Aberystwyth Harbour, a small leisure boat succumbed to the rough seas and sunk.

As is often the case, despite warning to stay away from the area, large waves attracted adrenaline seekers who played ‘chicken’ with waves spilling over the promenade wall.

Lee Crumpler, coastguard area commander, warned: “Remember that playing chicken and wave dodging is not worth risking your life for — sometimes the waves will win.

“Piers, rocks, harbours and the water’s edge are not safe places to be when the weather worsens.

“It can be slippery and even a small wave can come out of nowhere and quickly knock you off your feet. No ‘selfie’ or photograph is worth risking your life for.”

Police received reports a car had been overturned by the winds outside the Belle Vue Hotel.

Residents were also affected by power cuts, with reports of a loss of electricity in Borth and Llanilar, near Aberystwyth.

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