Travel disruption as storms sweep across the islands
STORMY weather has swept Guernsey with the first winter storm of the year leaving boat services cancelled and inter-island flights disrupted.
And the unsettled weather is set to continue.
Average wind speeds of 38mph were recorded on Monday night, with the highest gust being recorded at 56mph at the airport at about 11pm.
A gale force wind was also recorded on Monday night, lasting for 15 minutes.
Alderney encountered gusts of 64mph at its airport, which has meant that all flights to and from the island were delayed yesterday morning.
All Condor departures and arrivals were cancelled yesterday, and the Midas freight boat is cancelled again today. The Clipper is due to arrive at 9pm this evening, carrying freight.
The Channel Chieftain V, which brings the national newspapers from Jersey, was also cancelled for only the fourth time this year.
‘It’s very challenging weather,’ said Captain David Nuth.
The boat is scheduled to set sail again today.
Sark Shipping combined its passenger and freight services into a single sailing, which it managed to safely complete yesterday morning. It said that it was all looking good for the rest of the week but the decision is down to the skipper on the day so sailings could change dependant on any changes to weather.
Travel Trident has finished its sailings for 2022.
Although winds have been strong, the island has seen little tree damage, with multiple tree surgeons reporting that they had not received any calls for wind damaged trees.
‘It’s very surprising as it’s definitely windy enough,’ said Arbology Tree Services founder Ben de Putron.
Also surprising has been the rain statistics with the Guernsey Met office only noting 5.3mm of rain from the lively showers that the island has experienced. Average November daily rainfall is 3.1mm.
The unsettled weather conditions are expected to last for the rest of the week with a mix of wind, rain and showers looking likely.
A break from the gloomy weather may soon be on the cards though, as some sunny spells are expected along with the temperature sitting in the mid-teens in the day and remaining in double digits at night.
