Island residents have been warned to prepare for up to 75mph winds this weekend.
Storm Darragh is expected to bring severe gale-force winds starting Friday 6 December.
Winds are forecast to increase Friday evening, peaking during Saturday, mid morning to late afternoon.
This storm is not forecast to be as intense as Storm Ciarán which recorded winds up to Storm Force 11 with gusts in excess of 100mph.
Jersey
Jersey’s Emergency Planning team, in coordination with Jersey Met, is closely monitoring Storm Darragh which is expected to bring winds up to severe gale force 9 and gusts to 75mph at times this weekend for the Islands.
Rain and Flooding:
While we are also expecting rainfall and blustery showers, flooding is not anticipated. Infrastructure teams are currently clearing drains in key areas to minimise risks. Tidal conditions along with the wind direction (W-NW) pose no concerns for the south or east coasts.
Travel Advice:
Islanders are advised to travel only if essential. Expect delays and possible cancellations across road, air, and sea travel. Liberty Bus services will operate but may face disruptions. Stay updated via local news and official channels.
Safety Guidance:
Before the storm: Secure or bring indoors any loose items on your property.
During the storm: Avoid unnecessary travel and exposed areas, particularly the coast. Do not attempt repairs during the storm. Exercise caution on roads and delay travel if possible.
After the storm: Check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
Reporting Issues:
To report routes blocked by fallen trees, please contact Infrastructure and Environment Operations and Transport on 445509
Contact your Parish’s duty Centenier for issues on Parish roads.
For emergencies dial 999.
Islanders are urged to care, stay informed, be safe over the weekend.
Jersey Water has closed both Queen’s Valley and Val de la Mare reservoirs to the public, as a safety precaution in preparation for incoming Storm Darragh.
From lunchtime on Friday 6 December, access to both sites will not be possible until further notice. The utility has taken the decision to close the reservoirs to visitors on safety grounds, in light of the high winds forecast from late Friday and over the weekend.
Terry Gasnier, Jersey Water’s Facilities Manager said: “We have closed the reservoirs to ensure that there is no risk to public safety during the hazardous weather. The advice from the Met Office and the Government is to avoid outside activity. High winds will potentially make areas of both sites treacherous, with a likelihood of fallen trees and slippery pathways. We are asking people to respect the closure signs that are in place and not to enter either site until we deem it safe to do so.”
Jersey Water will assess both Queen’s Valley and Val de la Mare on Monday morning and determine whether it is safe to reopen the reservoirs to the public.
Guernsey
Aurigny informs its customers booked on flights for travel Saturday, 7 December and Sunday, 8 December, that due to high winds forecasted by Storm Darragh, there is the potential for disruption to scheduled flights.
Aurigny is therefore offering extra flexibility for all those booked to travel on these dates – a free change to move to an alternative flight within 7 days of the original scheduled departure, or the opportunity to travel earlier on 6 December. There will be no change fees or fare difference applied. Seats are offered on alternative dates on a first-come, first-served basis.
If a customer chooses to travel as planned but a flight is cancelled due to weather, they will be eligible for a full refund.
Sudeep Ghai, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Our team have been closely monitoring the forecast to assess the potential impact of Storm Darragh on our weekend flying programme.”
“We are firmly focused on our duty of getting everyone where they need to be, and we plan to operate all flights where weather conditions permit us to operate safely.”
“However, if some wish to travel on an alternative date, we hope the extra flexibility offered will provide some reassurance and a little extra certainty to our communities at this time”
Alderney
The States of Alderney is issuing the following public safety advice.
“Residents are advised to take extra care when venturing out and to avoid traversing coastal areas during this period.
“Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding the west coast of the island on Saturday when the most severe period of weather is forecast. Access to the Commercial Quay will be restricted to essential personnel only during this period and residents are discouraged from attempting to visit the Admiralty Breakwater and surrounding areas whilst this severe weather persists.
“Please would all residents ensure that any items in their gardens are secured to prevent damage to theirs and their neighbour’s property. This request is also extended to boat owners to ensure that their vessel is safe and secured especially if being stored in the boat park areas at the Harbour.”
In the event of a coastal emergency dial 999
Isle of Man
The public are being advised to stay safe as Strom Darragh continues to hit the Island, with gale force winds of up to 70 mph forecast to persist this evening and overnight. These strengths could see further fallen branches and trees, structural damage and flying debris.
An amber weather warning for gale force winds and a yellow weather warning for coastal overtopping remain in place.
Extreme care should be taken on the Island’s roads. The Mountain Road will close overnight from 5:30 pm.
The current priorities in response to Storm Darragh are to keep arterial roads clear and open and reconnect homes that have lost power. This may mean some minor roads are closed overnight. Vulnerable customers who have lost power are being prioritised and some homes may not be reconnected until Sunday.
Those who are out this Saturday evening are advised to carefully plan their journeys, particularly those without access to their own transport. A final decision will be made this evening on whether Bus Vannin services will operate, which may require people to make alternative transport arrangements. With a number of large Christmas parties taking place in and around Douglas, high demand for taxi services is expected.
Police will be patrolling the Island’s roads, continuing their seasonal campaign against drink and drug driving.
The public should keep up to date following the Isle of Man Constabulary on Facebook.
Any issues on the roads, such as fallen trees, can be reported by calling 850003. In an emergency, always dial 999.
