Islanders told to stay at home as storm approaches

A red weather warning – the highest level – is in force, as violent storm force 11 winds, topping 100mph, are due to hit the island.

A rare severe flood warning has also been issued for the morning’s high tide just before 9am. Low-lying west coast areas are expected to experience extensive flooding.

Supermarkets, schools, the airport and many shops are closed tomorrow morning, and all harbour sailings are cancelled.

All post offices are shut and there will be no mail delivery or collections.

All refuse collections have been cancelled on Wednesday night and many States buildings, like Edward T Wheadon and Frossard House, will be closed on Thursday.

Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy asked islanders to stay at home and stay safe.

‘It would help the emergency services if the roads are quiet and people aren’t out and about,’ he said.

‘There could be structural damage, trees are obviously at risk there could be flying debris and with significant rainfall. There’s a risk of flooding.

'The joint emergency services control room is fully staffed and we have plans and strategies to deal with emergencies as and when they arise. The message is to listen and tune in to the information we’re putting out.’

Additional ambulance crews will also be on duty and islanders have been warned that there may be delays to ambulance responses, with life-threatening cases given priority.

For less urgent calls, medical advice from a clinician may be given over the phone.

Storm Ciaran threatens to break the record for the strongest winds to ever strike the island – surpassing gusts from December 1979 when a wind of 95.5mph felled dozens of trees across the island.

Mr Hardy said the island was expecting unprecedented weather.

‘We are dealing with an exceptional weather event and there are huge risks.

‘The island has to accept that nature can be incredibly powerful. But we need everyone’s help by basically staying at home.’

He added that after the storm had passed, emergency services would still need to assess for damage before the island could return to normal. ‘There may be trees that are still at risk, flooding, or buildings with structural issues,’ he said. Updates will be given on social media.

Policy & Resources president Peter Ferbrache echoed Mr Hardy’s words.

‘We can’t turn the elements away, so keep safe, keep inside,’ he said.

‘But don’t worry – the emergency services are doing all they can. We haven’t seen a storm like this for 30 years, and I hope it’s a long time before we see another.’