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Clean-up operation begins in aftermath of Storm Goretti

An extensive clear-up operation is under way this morning in the aftermath of Storm Goretti and its force 11 winds from last night.

It is now thought that more than 60 trees have fallen overnight
It is now thought that more than 60 trees have fallen overnight / Peter Frankland/Guernsey Press

Our reporters have been out assessing the levels of damage. Trees are down across the island, most notably in areas of the Castel, making Rue du Friquet completely impassable for one.

The strongest gust of wind recorded during the night was 72.7 knots, 84mph, slightly ahead of Storm Ciaran in November 2023, where the top wind speed was 78mph.

The ‘Great Storm’ of 1987 saw winds reach 86mph.

People who were evacuated from flats in the Green Lanes into hotels overnight have not yet been allowed to return to their homes.

More than 20 trees had been reported to have fallen before 11pm and several cars had been crushed as a result. It is now thought that more than 60 trees have fallen overnight.

People who were evacuated from flats in the Green Lanes into hotels overnight have not yet been allowed to return to their homes
People who were evacuated from flats in the Green Lanes into hotels overnight have not yet been allowed to return to their homes / Peter Frankland/Guernsey Press

Scaffolding and telephone lines are also down, and power cuts were reported.

Some walls have collapsed, including at Gele Road, Castel, and Rue des Varendes, and many homes suffered damage.

The petrol pumps at Vale Garage lost their roof. That was being made safe by workmen first thing this morning.

This tree at Amherst ended up on the roof of the house opposite
This tree at Amherst ended up on the roof of the house opposite / Peter Frankland/Guernsey Press

The peak of the storm arrived earlier than expected at about 8.30pm and was scheduled to last longer into the early hours than previously predicted.

The decision was made to close schools at 7am today, with tree damage reported to be particularly extensive around Beechwood in Kings Road and Castel Primary School.

The first flights took off from the airport this morning shortly before 10 o’clock with arrivals due in imminently.

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