STORM Darragh is not forecast to be as “intense” as Storm Ciarán, the government has sought to reassure Islanders as Jersey battens down the hatches in anticipation of gale force winds this weekend.
In an update issued this afternoon, Jersey Met’s head of meteorology Paul Aked said that travel disruption is expected and trees could be brought down around the Island.
The government has warned that Storm Darragh is expected to bring winds up to severe gale force 9 and gusts up to 75mph at times, peaking mid-morning to late afternoon on Saturday.
But it has advised Islanders that the impending weather is not forecast to be as “intense” as Storm Ciarán, which brought winds up to storm force 11 with gusts in excess of 100mph.
While rainfall and blustery showers are anticipated, flooding is not expected – though Infrastructure teams have been clearing drains in key areas as a precaution.
Islanders have also been advised to secure loose property, to avoid unnecessary travel and coastal areas during the storm and to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives afterwards.
Mr Aked said: “We’re monitoring closely as Storm Darragh approaches the islands.
“We’re not expecting the forecast winds currently to be as severe as Storm Ciarán, but it is a winter storm, Storm Darragh, and we should expect some disruption – possibly trees down – that will affect the islands.
“The team at Jersey Met are watching the situation closely and I’d encourage everybody to to use our government website (gov.je/weather) that has the latest information that we are providing.”
The ice-skating rink at the Weighbridge is closed tomorrow and Sunday, while Jersey Zoo, the Zoo Shop, Café Firefly, and Durrell Charity Shop will be closed tomorrow with staff due to continue monitoring the situation for Sunday.
Likewise, all of Jersey Heritage’s visitor sites will be closed to the public tomorrow with staff due to assess the sites on Sunday morning.
Jersey Water has also closed both Queen’s Valley and Val de la Mare reservoirs to the public and will assess whether it is safe to reopen them on Monday morning.
Facilities manager Terry Gasnier said: “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.”
Several events due to take place this weekend, such as the St Brelade’s Parish Hall Christmas Fayre, have also been cancelled or postponed.
The government has advised Islanders to expect delays and possible cancellations at the airport and harbour and disruption to bus services.
– To report routes blocked by fallen trees, Islanders can contact Infrastructure and Environment Operations and Transport on 445509 or their duty centenier for issues on parish roads.
– For emergencies dial 999.
