Storm Ciaran: Latest safety advice

01 November 2023

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**Safety Advice for Jersey due to Storm Ciaran**

The Government of Jersey is issuing an urgent safety advice to all residents and media outlets as we prepare for the impact of Storm Ciaran.

This severe storm is expected to bring storm force winds, high tides, storm surges, coastal flooding, and significant rainfall.

Weather situation

• Jersey Met Office have this issued a RED wind warning this morning for the Channel Islands Shipping Area and peaking gusts for 85 knots / 98 mph.
• A further RED warning for coastal flooding at tomorrow morning's high tide at 8:40am has been issued.
• We are expecting the wind to increase tonight from 9pm becoming south south east Force 8-9, with gusts to 60 mph.
• After midnight, winds will further increase, to south Force 9 to Storm Force 10, with gusts to 70mph.
  
• Storm Ciaran is expected to peak between 4am – 9am on Thursday morning, west to south west, Force 10 to Violent Storm Force 11, with gusts 85-95 mph.
• Due to the movement of the low pressure and the strength of the wind, the tide is likely to rise higher than the predicted tide.
• The public are warned to expect coastal flooding, on the south coast and other low-lying areas. 
• The main period of risk is from midnight until Thursday afternoon.
• By Thursday afternoon, winds are forecasted to decrease to west south west, gale force 8, with gusts likely to 70mph
• The public are asked to keep away from coastal areas (including outlying harbours) to avoid risk of harm and not to put themselves in any unnecessary danger, especially in southerly parts of the Island, as there will be a risk of flying debris, including stones.
• In addition, we are working closely with Jersey Water and other partner agencies regarding reservoir preparedness and clearing gutters and drains.

Coastal Road Closures

• Given these severe weather conditions, the following coastal routes are expected to close from 5:30pm this evening until Thursday afternoon, whilst temporary flood protection measures are put in place:
• Victoria Avenue (West Park and East of First Tower)
• Havre des Pas
• Green Street (south end of the road)
• Roseville Street
• Cleveland Road
• La Neuve Route, St Aubin (in front of the Sacred Heart Church) 
• Islanders are advised to make appropriate travel arrangements, as there will be no access allowed after this time due to the expected storm surges, swells, coastal flooding and debris
• Please note that this advice may charge subject to conditions.

Stay at Home

• For your safety, we strongly urge all Islanders to stay at home and stay indoors during this time, unless you are part of essential services and expected to work.
• Please avoid all non-essential travel, work from home where possible in order to reduce the risk for those providing essential services who do need to travel (for example emergency services, utilities, infrastructure and health).
• For safety, residents should avoid coastal areas due to the expected storm surges, high winds, very large swells and debris. 
• If you must go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees, do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is ongoing.
• Please do not drive unless your journey is essential.
• We advise all pet owners to keep their pets indoors during the storm to prevent them from getting lost or injured.

Strong winds advice for property 

• With regard to personal property, please ensure that buildings are secure, and any outside items are either brought inside or tied down and secured. 
• Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture, wheelie bins, trampolines, or anything else that could be blown around.
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows
• Park vehicles in a garage (if you have one) or keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls, and fences
• Make sure you are prepared should there be a power cut
• Members of the public are also reminded to remove cars from slipways, due to the high tides and stormy conditions.
• After the storm, be careful not to touch any electrical/ telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging.
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened.

Stay Informed

• We urge everyone to stay informed about the storm's progress and to follow instructions from the Government and the emergency services
• Please keep your mobile devices charged.
• As we brace for Storm Ciaran, we are asking all residents to take these warnings seriously, to stay safe, and to look out for each other.
• We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

Please only call for 999 for true emergencies and avoid putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk in order to reduce demand as much as reasonably possible.