GALE-FORCE winds and driving rain battered the Aberystwyth coast as Storm Imogen swept across Wales as the latest in a string of storms caused havoc on the town’s promenade.

Gusts up to 56mph, combined with a spring tide, caused huge waves to come crashing down on the promenade early on Monday morning in scenes reminiscent of the January 2014 floods which left Aberystwyth’s ‘jewel in the crown’ in ruins, and authorities facing a six-figure repair bill to fix it.

As winds picked up and waves brought the sea lapping against the buildings along Marine Terrace, the whole stretch of the promenade from Constitution Hill to the pier was closed and guarded by police officers amid safety fears.

Cars parked on the promenade over-night were left abandoned, while one flagpole was broken and toppled by the gale-force winds.

Paving slabs were ripped up by the wind and waves, while benches - repaired after the storms in 2014 - were also torn from their bases.

High tide is expected tonight at 8pm, and the university has asked students on the seafront to evacuate their properties by 6pm while the storm and high tide pass. An e-mail to students informed them of transport arrangements and says that they "will not be allowed to re-enter the residences until it is safe to do so".

An update is expected at 9pm.