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Information aimed at pedestrians, motorists, boat owners and those hoping to travel off island has been issued ahead of Storm Ciaran hitting the Bailiwick this week with a warning for anyone else thinking about tampering with flood defences not to do so.
States Works teams found that some of the storm boards used to block off slipways along the coast roads were moved over the weekend risking damage to properties nearby.
This past weekend, some of the flood defences deployed along the east coast near the Red Lion were removed.
States Works Operations Director Ian Gavet said this had had a significant impact, with flooding of the roundabout at the Le Bouet junction, that could have affected public safety.
“Part of States Works’ job is to provide mitigation during the winter storms, to minimise the impact that these can have on coastal routes, as well as the subsequent clear up requirements."
“An important part of the mitigation, when adverse weather coincides with high tides, is to pre-emptively place storm boards in the slipway entrances. This minimises the amount of detritus that would otherwise directly enter the roadways. They are also there to help protect property and people.
“Unfortunately at the weekend some beach users removed some boards, which had a significant impact around the Red Lion roundabout and potentially put public safety at risk.
"This is not the first such occurrence and we would therefore ask everyone not to interfere with these protection measures, and if they see anyone doing so to report it immediately to JESSC.
“We would also encourage everyone to let JESSC know if they notice any broken boards, so that we can replace them as quickly as possible.”
Pictured: Stormy conditions in November 2018.
The coast roads along both the east and west coasts had to be cleared after the weekend's windy weather and high tides with road sweepers and other specialist equipment being used to remove the sand, stones, and seaweed.
Mr Gavet said his States Works teams are ready and prepared to do this same again this week while also working to reduce the risks of any damage before the storm hits.
“We collaborate proactively with other stakeholders such as Traffic and Highway Services, JESCC and Guernsey Police, to close roads for public safety as required, with our Signs and Lines teams signposting alternative, safer routes for road users."
Storm force winds with gusts to 85mph are predicted for Thursday with conditions steadily worsening from Wednesday and a separate storm forecast to hit over the weekend too.
The forecast stormy conditions have already caused the cancellation of all fast ferries for around a week, with Condor warning that the freight services may also be impacted.
Today's Liberation and Voyager’s sailings from Poole and St Malo will run to revised routings and timings while tomorrow's departures from France to Jersey and Guernsey have been cancelled.
The Commodore Goodwill and Clipper are due to sail today and tomorrow but Condor warned cancellations are likely with significant disruption to timings from and including Thursday.
Pictured: Condor announced changes to its schedules ahead of the forecast storm yesterday.
Guernsey Ports said owners who normally keep their boats above the high spring tide level along the west coast should move them to a safer place and if that is not possible they should ensure they are securely tied up.
All other boat owners are asked to check their vessels are properly secure and watertight.
Guernsey Ports Head of Port Operations, Jerome Davis said: “The forecast is for very strong winds with the arrival of Storm Ciaran overnight on Wednesday but also continuing for much of the week after that.
“It is important therefore that owners, wherever their vessels is moored, ensure it is properly secured and weatherproof. They are advised to check mooring lines, hatches, covers and that any bilge pumps are working correctly.
“Given the forecast, it is particularly important for anyone with a vessel or small water craft that is kept above the high water mark to take extra precautions. If these become loose and sightings at sea are then reported to the Guernsey Coastguards, it could trigger an emergency search and rescue operation. That can then divert important resources away from potential life-saving action elsewhere.”
Pictured: Stormy conditions in November 2018.
The Castle Breakwater will also be closed to the public from 17:00 on Wednesday evening as gale force winds are forecast from the south-southeast coinciding with the high spring tide.
Motorists are also advised not to leave cars on the Havelet side of the Castle Emplacement from Wednesday evening, as some overtopping of the sea wall is expected.
Pedestrians should also not use the raised walkway along that section.
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