More clearing up to do after Ciara and more on the way

They have been out clearing up the stones, seaweed and sand, following a combination of a high spring tide and gale force winds, which caused widespread flooding across the island’s coast roads, with the west coast worst affected.

States Works senior technical manager Matt Hardwick said there was more still to do.

‘We’re out there as soon as the high tide diminishes and the water has receded,’ he said.

‘There’s still a fair bit to do and it’s important to keep on top of it.’

Along stretches of L’Eree, Vazon, Perelle and Cobo coast roads in particular, teams have been busy clearing a mixture of stones, shingle and seaweed thrown over the sea defences.

‘Our biggest objective at the moment is to ensure the road gullies are operating again,’ said Mr Hardwick.

‘The drains themselves get clogged up with stones, seaweed and sand, so if we can clear these as quickly as possible then we can get the drainage running as normal. It’s important to put deposits back on the beach to ensure that the sea wall isn’t undermined.

‘Plus, residents have also put boards up to prevent any flooding, everybody has put in the effort to get the island back to normal as quick as we can.’

More strong winds are expected today, as westerly moderate force four to five winds, occasionally force six are anticipated with a risk of hail and thunder and scattered showers, then southerly strong force six to eight tonight, combining with a tide peaking at 9.9m at 8.44am and again at 9.5m at 9.09pm.

Meteorologists have issued a high tide warning with waves breaking over sea walls expected to cause problems and water and debris affecting coast roads and walkways. Road closures are likely to be in place between Fort Grey in Torteval and Grandes Rocques in Castel.

Advice from police is to avoid these areas during this period and travel only where absolutely necessary.

Mr Hardwick added they would be out all week in order to minimise the disruption as much as they can.

‘What we’ve been doing today is a repeat of yesterday and then again tomorrow we will do the same,’ he said.

‘There’s a flood warning still in place and we want to ensure that people understand they should keep away during the clean-up, so we can ensure it’s done as quickly as safely as possible. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has been helping us do this, it’s been a team effort, with huge credit to the team and the residents.’

More bad weather is predicted for this weekend, with forecasters warning that the island could be affected by gale force winds as part of Storm Dennis, which could hit the UK.