AT least three people were taken to hospital and dozens moved to hotel accommodation as Storm Ciarán blasted the Island with hurricane-strength winds overnight.
Roofs were ripped off buildings and windows were blown out as the ferocious storm rattled through the Island.
One of the worst affected places was the area around FB Fields in St Clement, where a tornado touched down during a freak thunderstorm which pelted the Island with golf ball sized hailstones.
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Victoria Cottage Homes are also reported to have sustained severe damage, as well as Rue des Pres trading estate.
The Hospital roof has also been damaged and a large area of cladding has been ripped off the side of the Grand Hotel.
The padel tennis courts in St Clement have also been destroyed.
Several areas have also suffered extensive flooding.
A total of 69 adults and 15 children have been evacuated into hotel accommodation after their homes were severely damaged in the storm.
Gloucester Street will be closed in the next 10 – 15 mins as there are some concerns about an area of the Hospital roof. Honorary Police are managing the road closure. Stay away from that area but better still just don’t venture outside while conditions remain dangerous.
— States of Jersey Police (@JerseyPolice) November 2, 2023
Fences, greenhouses and cars have been severely damaged and Islanders are reporting waking to a scene of devastation outside their homes.
So far tonight 29 adults, 6 children and 7 pets have been relocated in hotel accommodation due to property damage. 4 people and a cat have relocated to another address and 3 people have been taken to A&E.
— States of Jersey Police (@JerseyPolice) November 2, 2023
Emergency Services are still out and about dealing with incidents.
Dozens of trees – including several along Bagatelle Road in St Saviour – have been brought down and a number of roads are impassible.
Listen to the sound of ice bombs falling in @StHelierJsy during violent #StormCiaran thunder storm, as captured by my eldest. pic.twitter.com/YGCLitfMpH
— Consumer Carl (@CarlWalker7) November 2, 2023
Winds rapidly increased after 3pm and the strongest gust so far has been recorded at 104mph. Winds have since decreased but are still very strong.
Jersey Met told the JEP: “Storm Ciaran has brought winds reaching hurricane force 12 to the Island with gusts recorded by the Jersey Met weather station at St Helier Harbour up to 83 knots / 96mph peaking around 4:30 am this morning, but continuing to reach violent storm force 11 at 7 am.
“We have received reports of a tornado associated with thunderstorms and significant hail and rainfall around midnight.”
A tornado has touched down in Jersey, Channel Islands with damage being reported. pic.twitter.com/8UkVrcq6gT
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) November 2, 2023
The government said: “Among the worst-hit areas last night were FB Fields and parts of St Clement while Gloucester Street was closed just after 5.30am when parts of the hospital’s Paediatric Block roof became unstable.
“A multi-agency Situation Room at States of Jersey Police Headquarters is helping to co-ordinate the response after a major incident was declared last night.
“At 6.15am this morning there had been 107 ‘999’ calls and 270 calls to the non-emergency number.”
WATCH: Dramatic scenes as Gorey Harbour is pounded by huge waves. CLICK HERE
In a tweet shortly after 3am, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended more than 50 call-outs.
A major incident was declared at midnight and Islanders are being told to stay indoors.
Many businesses are closed, and the Island has effectively been isolated, with ferries cancelled and the Airport closed to commercial flights.
