Storm Barbara and high tides expected to cause flooding

HEAVY rain and more flooding are expected this week as Guernsey feels the effects of Storm Barbara.

Guernsey's Civil Protection Unit was called to the seafront by the Red Lion pub on Monday night after high winds and a spring tide caused sea water and debris to be thrown over the sea wall into the road. (Picture supplied by Tony Rive)

On Monday night, the Civil Protection unit was called to clear drains and sweep large amounts of stones, shingle, seaweed and three large wooden planks that were washed onto the main road on the seafront in front of the Red Lion pub.

Civil Protection officer Tony Rive was one of four members of the team to attend.

‘The eight planks that were at the top of the slipway were washed away during the 9.9-metre spring tide along with the south-easterly force six winds,’ he said.

‘Five of the eight planks were swept out to sea, leaving only three on the pavement.’

One team member, along with a member of the public who lived across the road, kept the road drain clear of seaweed, which allowed the seawater that built up in the road to drain away.

High winds and a spring tide caused sea water and debris to be thrown over the sea wall into the road. (Picture supplied by Tony Rive)

Yesterday morning saw another high tide, 9.7 metres, with force four to six winds.

The Guernsey Meteorological Office issued a tide warning, saying it was likely waves would break over the sea walls, causing problems with water and debris on coast roads and walkways.

But, the duty observer said, Storm Barbara will feel much the same for us as the last few weeks have been – wet and windy.

‘[Storm Barbara has] been named by the Spanish met. service for the amount of rainfall it will deliver to the Spanish region.

‘It will travel further northwards to affect the UK overnight tonight and into Wednesday, but compared to late, it’ll probably feel like a continuation of the wet and windy October we’ve already experienced.’

Rainfall was expected to arrive overnight last night, becoming persistent until this morning.

Winds will remain moderate to fresh, strengthening to force five to six for a time this morning before calming down to a force four in the evening.

Despite the wind, it should feel fairly mild with temperatures at or just above average for the time of year.

‘From today [Wednesday] onwards we can still expect things to be fairly unsettled but remaining mild, with the winds picking up yet again as we head into the weekend as further low pressure systems cross the British Isles,’ the duty observer said.