Warning to boat owners with 75mph winds expected

A large breaking wave formed at sea.Image source, PA Media
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People are being asked to keep away from coastal areas to avoid risk of harm

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Winds gusting up to 75mph (120km/h) are expected to hit Guernsey at the weekend as Storm Darragh sweeps in.

Winds are expected to increase on Friday evening and through Saturday and be at their strongest on Saturday afternoon, said the States of Guernsey.

Boat owners have been warned by Guernsey Harbours to secure their vessels by double checking covers and hatches and ensuring mooring lines are correctly rigged.

The States of Guernsey said islanders "should consider cancelling any activities which may put them at risk".

Coastal areas vulnerable

The warnings come amid a red wind warning from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, covering western and southern coastal regions of Wales as well as the Bristol Channel in England.

The States said: "Anything on the coast, particularly on the west coast, could be very dangerous and people should avoid these areas.

"Depending on how badly the winds materialise, outdoor activities in general may be unwise.

"Unlike Jersey, our tides are expected to be high, so we are expecting some degree of flooding on the west coast.

"There will almost certainly be major disruption at the ports and airport tomorrow, with the possibility it extends into Sunday."

Guernsey Football Club has postponed its fixture with Ashford Town on Saturday.

The National Trust of Guernsey cancelled its Christmas market at Saumarez Park on Monday.

"Our hearts go out to all the stallholders, suppliers, staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to make this one of Guernsey's favourite Christmas events," it said.

The States of Alderney urged people to "take extra care when venturing out".

"Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding the west coast of the island on Saturday when the most severe period of weather is forecast," it said.

Access to the Commercial Quay would be restricted to "essential personnel only" and people were discouraged from attempting to visit the Admiralty Breakwater and surrounding areas during the severe weather.

Aurigny offers flexibility

Aurigny warned customers booked on flights on Saturday and Sunday of the potential for disruption.

It offered a free change, which would let passengers move to an alternative flight within seven days of the original scheduled departure, or the opportunity to travel earlier on Friday.

Chief commercial officer Sudeep Ghai said: "We hope the extra flexibility offered will provide some reassurance and a little extra certainty to our communities at this time."

Guernsey's house waste and recycling centre and the Mont Cuet green waste site will be closed on Saturday as a precaution.

The fourth named storm of the season, Darragh comes only weeks after Storm Bert and Storm Conall caused disruption at the end of last month.

While heavy rain was expected, there was unlikely to be as much rainfall and flooding as seen with Storm Bert, forecasters said.

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