Forecast worsening: use 'common sense'

Saturday 07 December 2024

Storm Darragh is gaining strength with the weather forecast marginally worsening overnight with up to storm force 10 "or more" winds forecast this afternoon.

Ahead of the expected peak of bad weather, the decision has been taken to close Guernsey Airport from midday.

The "severe gales" forecast mean there will be no flights in or out of Guernsey for the rest of today with passengers booked to travel tomorrow advised to check in on time unless they hear otherwise from their airlines directly.

Aurigny had already offered passengers due to fly today a free transfer, while Condor had cancelled all Guernsey sailings today and tomorrow in advance of the storm hitting.

Aside from the ports, repercussions from the windy weather have already been felt across the islands.

In Guernsey alone five trees had fallen by 10:00 with Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service clearing those along with tree surgeons. 

The emergency services have said they expect more trees to fall, and other damage to potentially be cause as northwesterly gales hit us throughout today.

Gusts will reach around 75mph with the latest forecasts suggesting the Bailiwick will be "hit more strongly than initially expected", said a spokesman for Bailiwick Law Enforcement.

The storm is meant to be at its peak between 13:00 and 19:00 with numerous events and activities canceled already as people prepared for the worst. More could be cancelled as people follow the advise to "use their own judgement" in deciding what to do today.

"Guernsey’s Emergency Services are closely monitoring the forecast and the situation on the island as the winds ramp up," said the States spokesman.

"We would advise people to think carefully about going out today, and to use common sense in deciding what to do. We’d strongly urge people to avoid activities in and around the sea and the west coast this afternoon, and we’d ask people to consider cancelling any outdoor activities.

"While we’re not telling the island to stay at home today, we’d ask people to use their own judgement to decide whether they can stay in or they need to go out."

Among the events cancelled ahead of today were the Homestart children's Christmas party and the Guernsey Athletics Club cross country race.

The weekly Parkrun was cancelled first thing this morning, with Guernsey Raiders postponing their match too.

The Household Waste and Recycling Centre and the Mont Cuet Green Waste site will be closed all day today.

"It is likely the disruption will extend into Sunday and possibly into Monday, but a decision on site openings for these days will be taken as the situation progresses and updates provided," said Guernsey Waste Operations Manager Sarah Robinson.

"We would also ask all households setting out waste or recycling on Sunday or Monday night to first check the forecast and consider holding onto materials where they can. Recycling bags can be blown around in windy conditions, and if they do escape, they tend to leave an awful mess that someone must clear up. If you absolutely must put one out, please make sure to weigh it down sufficiently to ensure it will not be blown around."

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