More Portuguese Man O’ War jellyfish are about to wash up on Wales’ coastline - thanks to Hurricane Ophelia.

The dangerous sea creatures, which have potentially fatal stings, have been appearing across Wales over the past month.

But Sea Trust Wales now say the problem is about to get worse because of the weather.

It comes as the tail of Hurricane Ophelia is set to hit Wales with gusts of 80mph forecast.

An amber weather warning is now in place covering southwest and northwest Wales and a yellow warning has been issued for the rest of the country.

Anna Elliott, from Sea Trust Wales, said it had received reports of the creatures from more than 30 beaches in Wales - and the body says the strong winds associated with the Ophelia are likely to bring more to our coastline.

This Portuguese Man o War was spotted on a beach in New Quay

She said: “We have received a lot of similar reports along the coastline.

“31 beaches in Wales have had reported sightings of Man O’ War; Harlech beach was the furthest north, and Mumbles beach in the south.

“Pembrokeshire has seen most of the creatures washing up. 20 sightings were made on Lydstep beach alone, with numerous reports at Tenby and the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddi.

“We’re expecting to receive more reports of sightings across the next few days due to the high winds.”

Members of the public have been warned against handling the Man O’ War, and to take extra care if taking pets to the beach, with a West Highland White Terrier having been stung on Amroth beach in Pembrokeshire.

Ms Elliott said: “They (Portuguese Man O’ War) are very attractive due to their bright blue colour, so please take extra care to ensure that children and animals do not approach them.

“They can deliver a painful sting, and like with wasps, in very rare cases these can be fatal.”

11 Portuguese Man of War washed up on a Pembrey beach
11 Portuguese Man of War washed up on a Pembrey beach

Huw Jones, whose dog was stung, said: “We were taking the dog down to the rocks, as we usually do, to run around, when we heard a yelp.

“The next minute, we saw her legs wrapped in the creature’s tentacles. It was holding on tight, too. I had to push it off in order to pull her away.

“The vet said I was lucky that it hadn’t stung me too.

“After treatment at the vet’s, the swelling has now gone down and she’s on the mend.

“The tide was well out at the time.”

Sightings of Portuguese Man O’War can be reported to Sea Trust Wales by emailing anna@seatrust.org.uk.