Sailings cancelled, octopus in hiding, and food caddies flying

Friday 31 March 2023

The stormy weather overnight has left Talbot Valley flooded with a car reportedly stuck in the water, while trees have been blown down in other areas and off island travel has been affected.

The wind is forecast to reach up to gale force 9 with gusts to 70mph. It's unlikely to drop below strong F6 throughout today.

Guernsey Harbours has seen all commercial sailings cancelled for today, including the overnight Goodwill and Clipper services.

The Channel Chieftain cancelled its sailing from Jersey bringing the national newspapers in a sign of how perilous the conditions were at sea as the crew are renowned for rarely cancelling.

Pictured: The Marine Traffic website has shown how many vessels sought shelter during the stormy weather.

Guernsey Airport is experiencing a number of delays on incoming and outbound flights, with the red eye to Gatwick cancelled, and others delayed through until this afternoon at least. 

With the advance warning of the stormy weather, Art for Guernsey made the decision yesterday to take down its octopus which has been protruding from its new gallery in Mill Street this week drawing visitors in for its Victor Hugo themed displays.

Elsewhere, Talbot Valley flooded this morning and a car became stuck in the water where it was impassable.

Trees were reported down on Route de St Andrew, Le Foulon and other smaller roads across the island. 

The waste and recycling centre at Longue Hougue was closed this morning due to the windy weather. A spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and staff is paramount and therefore a decision has been taken to close the Household Waste & Recycling Centre at Longue Hougue.

"Given the forecast for the remainder of the day we anticipate that the site will remain closed for the entirety of the day. If the weather improves and it is safe for us to open we will issue an update."

Last night, the Recycling team had advised anyone whose bin night it was to hold on to their waste for a bit longer if they could, to avoid having food caddies and glass bags flying around the island. 

However, one was spotted in the road half way up La Val de Terres this morning.