THE Airport, Harbour and other services are closed today as Storm Austen sweeps over Jersey.
A Red Wind Warning – the highest possible category – is currently in place in the Channel Islands, with winds blowing from the northwest in a severe gale F9.
Paul Aked, head of meteorology at Jersey Met, said gale force winds were predicted to begin at midnight last night, with the peak of the storm beginning at 3am and continuing “for most of the working morning”.
Gusts are strongest this morning, potentially gusting at gale F10, or 85mph. The gusts were strongest this morning, topping 80mph, while a gale F8 continues to blow this morning, with occasional gusts of 70mph.
At the hospital, emergency, urgent and maternity services will operate as normal, but Islanders are asked to only visit the emergency department if you have a serious illness or injury requiring emergency care.
While the ambulance service continues to operate, it must only be called if there is a life-threatening emergency.
Outpatient appointments will go ahead as planned, but should only be attended if it is safe to do so.
A Ports of Jersey spokesperson said it was “expecting severe disruption to flights and sailings.”
The Harbour, which shut at 6pm last night, will remain closed all day. Ports said it hopes it will reopen tomorrow.
Meanwhile, airlines have cancelled flights. A Ports of Jersey spokesperson said: “Our big message for travellers is to keep in close contact with your airline or travel agent for updates and information about your travel.”
La Collette recycling and green waste centre will be closed all day, while sports centres are shut until at least 3pm. Updates can be found on Active Jersey’s social media accounts.
While winds remain strong this afternoon, the Island should see the tail end of Storm Austen blowing F7 with gusts to 50mph.
Mr Aked said the Met uses technology, weather models from Jersey and around the world to predict how the incoming weather system will develop, adding: “It’s the skill of the local forecaster who will interpret that information and relate it to our part of the world.”
Howard Davis, Coronation and Sir Winston Churchill parks are shut until at least Saturday morning when any potential damage will be assessed and a decision to reopen them will be made.
The decision to close schools on Friday was made on Wednesday, giving parents time to make alternative childcare arrangements.
Mr Aked said that while Storm Austen is not as strong as Storm Ciaran in 2023, or Storm Goretti earlier this year, Islanders can expect to face travel disruption as trees are brought down onto roads.
The Jersey and Western Libraries are shut too this morning, while CAMHS at Bermuda House is also closed.
All of Jersey Heritage’s sites are closed. Jon Carter, chief executive, said its “first priority is always the safety of our staff”.
A decision on when to reopen will be made after the extent of damage and potential risks have been assessed.
Mr Aked added: “If it’s possible, avoid outside activity, check the garden furniture, the trampoline, is tied down. Then think about our neighbours and colleagues. Make sure everyone’s safe and they’ve got what they need and that they’re at home.
