The storm is forecast to pass over the islands late on Thursday and into Friday. Wind speeds could reach storm force 8 and 9, with the potential for storm force 10 and stronger gusts at its peak at around 7am on Friday.
The States said it was monitoring forecasts and would issue further updates, including any decisions on schools, bus services and appointments. It said Austen was not expected to be on the scale of recent storms Ciaran or Goretti, but urged islanders to be mindful of the weather. Kerbside recycling has been cancelled for Thursday night.
Aurigny is offering free date changes to passengers due to fly over the next few days under its WeatherFlex policy, covering all Alderney services, all Guernsey flights on Friday and selected Guernsey ATR flights today.
'We hope this additional flexibility will provide our communities with some reassurance,' said Clive Acton, Aurigny's head of customer services.
Brittany Ferries has cancelled a number of sailings, with winds of up to 75mph and waves of more than 6.5 metres predicted.
Its high-speed sailings to and from Guernsey today and on Friday have been cancelled, along with Thursday evening's conventional sailing from Portsmouth.
Extra St Malo sailings will run today and on Tuesday, and freight customers are being moved to alternative crossings to keep essential supplies flowing. Affected passengers will be contacted.
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