Guernsey Airport has closed early with Thursday’s remaining flights all cancelled, while States schools will be shut on Friday after the Met Office issued a red wind warning.
Storm Austen is due to arrive this evening, with the worst of it passing over the Channel Islands tomorrow morning between 6am and 11am. Wind speeds could reach storm Force 10.
The airport terminal is expected to open from noon on Friday, with flights resuming from about 2pm.
Safety inspections will be carried out in the morning before reopening.
Guernsey Ports Airport Director, Richard Thomasson, said its contingency plans were being activated, with the help of airlines and other stakeholders.
‘Severe weather events obviously pose particular challenges for air travel, and our priority first and foremost is the safety of both the travelling public and our own staff,’ he said.
‘Working with our airline partners and other stakeholders, we have agreed a plan that will keep everyone safe, minimise disruption, and ensure operations return to normal as quickly as possible.’
‘Islanders should take all sensible precautions’
Emergency Services have advised that the roads should be kept as clear as possible in case they need to respond to an incident.
Health & Social Care appointments will be going ahead, but staff will reach out directly if an appointment is cancelled.
‘We would also encourage islanders to take all sensible precautions. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity over night and tomorrow morning,’ said the States of Guernsey in a statement.
‘Ensure you have taken measures to protect your property, securing things like outdoor furniture at your house and closing windows, and if you have a boat, checking its moorings before the storm arrives.’
Road users are reminded to drive cautiously tomorrow morning.
The worst of the storm should have passed by around midday tomorrow, although winds will remain high into the weekend.
‘We will continue to monitor the situation regarding the weather on Friday and on the weekend, and will provide updates as the situation progresses,’ said the States.
No mail deliveries or collections on Friday
Guernsey Post has confirmed that there will be no mail deliveries or collections on Friday.
The Arcade and Envoy House post offices and parcel collection counter will be closed, along with some other post offices across the Bailiwick.
It plans to resume deliveries and collection on Saturday, with deliveries also taking place on Sunday to help manage mail volumes.
Friday’s mail is expected to arrive on Saturday’s boat. Mail posted on Thursday and Saturday is scheduled to leave on the outgoing boat on Saturday.
States of Guernsey customer counters will be closed on Friday morning while the worst of the storm passes, including Sir Charles Frossard House, Brickfield House, Edward T Wheadon House and the New Jetty. They will reopen at midday.
Beau Sejour will be closed first thing and is due to open at 11am.
The AI Innovation Expo will go ahead starting at 11am.
Cesspit services will commence at a later start time. No emergency collections will be completed tonight. Calls will be taken but drivers will not be dispatched until Friday morning.
The situation will be assessed at 7.30am.
Islanders are asked to only call if their cesspit is overflowing, they have a burst water main and flood water entering their property.
Guernsey Water has reminded islanders not to wade or drive through any flood waters, and if any manhole cover has lifted, to call 229500.
Shops closing early and opening late on Friday
The Millenium Walk is closed from now until further notice.
All Channel Islands Coop food and pharmacy stores in Guernsey and Jersey will open at 1pm on Friday.
All Marks and Spencers and Creasey's Department Store will close this evening at 7pm, rather than the usual 8pm.
Conditions will be reviewed and further update will be provided by midday tomorrow. The current aim is to open stores at 2pm.
All Iceland stores in Guernsey and Alderney will open at 1pm tomorrow.
Alderney stores will close at 7pm tonight and Guernsey at 9pm.
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