Channel Islands and Storm Ciaran

Based on latest forecasts, which are regularly being reviewed, severe weather is due to arrive on Wednesday with the worst of the storm predicted to hit in the early hours of Thursday. Significant disruption is expected during these times.

With predicted winds of up to 95mph, islanders are being advised to stay at home if possible and not travel unless essential.

Jersey

Jersey Islanders are advised to stay at home on Thursday 2 November due to the significant risks posed by Storm Ciarán.

• Food Shops: SandpiperCI will close all its Jersey food stores at 7pm this evening (Wednesday) before the worst of the storm reaches the islands. M&S, Morrisons, Iceland and Checkers Xpress stores will open tomorrow (Thursday) at midday after the worst of the storm is forecast to have passed. Opening times will remain under review to ensure staff and customers always remain safe. Stores will resume normal  opening hours from Friday morning.
• Schools: A decision has already been made to close all Government schools on Thursday 2 November. Private schools and early years providers are being provided with the same advice as Government of Jersey schools and colleges.
• Hospital: Islanders should only visit the hospital on Thursday 2 November if it is an emergency, or they have been contacted and expressly asked to attend. If patients have any questions or concerns, please contact their relevant department. Day centres will be closed and home births are suspended. The emergency department will be open as usual for life threatening or serious illnesses.
• Airport: Due to the severe weather warning, in collaboration with its airline partners, airport authorities have decided to close the airport to commercial operations all day on Thursday. The airport will remain open for emergency and medical flights, and will reopen on Friday after a visual inspection of the airport infrastructure.
• Ferries: Passenger and freight ferry services are severely disrupted and Jersey Coastguard is advising Islanders to keep away from coastal areas, as there is a risk people could be swept out to sea from piers and seawalls. Boat owners are being reminded to secure their vessels appropriately, and harbour businesses are advised to check their properties and secure their equipment. Elizabeth Terminal will be closed to the public on Thursday, and the storm gate in Elizabeth Marina will close today.
• Reservoirs: Jersey’s Public reservoirs to close in response to Storm Ciaran. Val de la Mare and Queen’s Valley reservoirs will be closed to the public all day on Thursday, as a precaution. With public safety in mind, the utility is advising Islanders to avoid visiting the sites due to the large number of trees lining the footpaths.
• Post: On Thursday 2 November, Postal Headquarters at Rue des Pres and Broad Street post office will be closed to ensure the safety of all Jersey Post employees during the storm.
• Jersey Zoo: Jersey Zoo will close at 4pm on Wednesday 1 November, with last entry at 3pm. The zoo will remain closed on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 November. The Visitor Centre, Zoo Shop, Café Firefly, and Durrell Charity Shop will also be closed

Guernsey

• Waste Collections: There will be no household waste and recycling collections tonight. Please do not set out any materials. Revised arrangements for those affected will be confirmed in due course. 
• Guernsey Airport is open today, but anyone due to travel should check with their airlines for any updates before setting off. 
• Guernsey Harbours will remain operational throughout, but there is considerable disruption to freight and passenger ferry operations.   
• Boatowners should take the opportunity as soon as possible and before this evening to ensure their vessels are properly secured and watertight.  Any with moorings on the west coast and/or kept above the high water mark should consider moving them to a safe place.
• Guernsey Coastguard remains on alert to respond to any emergencies.   
• There will no cesspit emptying service from 5pm tonight, until at least 2pm tomorrow. A further announcement will be made then.
• The public are strongly advised to stay away from the Castle Emplacement and the Castle Breakwater from 5pm this evening.
• Guernsey Dairies: It is business as usual at Guernsey Dairy so milk supplies to the shops will be maintained. No need to fill your fridge!
• Post: All Guernsey Post offices will be closed on Thursday and there will be no mail delivery or collections.
• States-run schools will be closed on Thursday, due to the currently predicted timing of the storm’s worst impact. Advice will be shared with the grant-aided colleges and early years providers, who will assess and make their own decisions whether to open.
• Traffic: Guernsey Police will continuously assess road safety conditions and will regularly issue information on social media providing updates. Advice is likely to focus on road conditions and the impact of the storm, including damage to trees or structures affecting roads.
• Public & School buses: CT Plus and the various school bus operators will make an independent assessment of road conditions in order to determine whether services can be safely operated. In the event of significant impact to island roads, a limited public bus service may be operated on certain routes. Information will be regularly updated here.
• Businesses: Businesses are advised to review their business continuity plans, prepare for the risk of flooding on the coasts and issue advice for their staff. Based on the current forecast, States of Guernsey advice is for islanders to remain at home wherever possible during the worst of the storm, including working from home if possible. This advice will be updated should the weather forecast change.
• The Emergency Services: The emergency services have put in place arrangements so that they will be able to continue to carry out their duties. The Civil Protection Team will be supporting during the significant weather and the public are asked to adhere to any direction given.
• Health and Social Care: Health and Social Care has its own transport arrangements for staff during severe weather conditions, thereby ensuring that the majority of its services continue to function. St John Ambulance will assist with the provision of transport for essential patients.
• Property: Residents are advised to make sure their properties are secure, including garden furniture and others outside fixtures. Islanders are asked to clear drains outside their properties to help limit flooding.