Islanders warned of 90mph winds as Storm Ciarán looms

Storm Ciarán is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain

Jersey residents have been advised to stay at home and prepare for "severe conditions" as Storm Ciarán approaches.

Ciarán is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern England and Wales when it arrives on Wednesday.

BBC Weather lead presenter Simon King has warned of wind up to 80mph (130km/h), perhaps even 90mph (145km/h) in the most exposed areas of southern England and the Channel Islands from late Wednesday to Thursday.

All government schools and colleges will close on Thursday, and a decision for schools opening on Friday will be made "based on an assessment of any damage", the government said.

'Minimising public movement'

It said private schools and early years providers were "being provided with the same advice as Government of Jersey schools and colleges".

The airport will also close to all commercial operations all day on Thursday, but will remain open for emergency and medical flights.

Islanders should only visit the hospital in an emergency, or if they have been "contacted and expressly asked to attend".

Day centres will be closed and home births suspended, with the Emergency Department remaining open.

The court service will be closed on Thursday, with Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq saying "it is important that members of the public minimise movement about the island during a time of high risk".

All Jersey Heritage sites will be closed too.

Storm Ciarán is the third named storm of the season.

Jersey emergency planning officer Kevin Murphy said a "pan-island tactical co-ordination group" was making an "extensive review of potential risks".

Mr Murphy said in a statement: "This is an active situation, and we are closely monitoring the evolving weather patterns and will be releasing further instructions and advice through our official channels in due course.

"We urge everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for severe conditions."

Condor Ferries has made a "number of changes" to its sailings for the Channel Islands, Poole and St Malo in response to the storm, meaning potential concern over the supply of food and medicines.

The firm does not expect to provide any high speed sailings until 7 November.

Jersey Coastguard has advised islanders to stay away from coastal areas due to a "risk people could be swept out to sea from piers and seawalls".

Boat owners have been advised to check their mooring lines are secured, to secure any loose items on deck, to secure sails and that their tenders and inflatables are bailed and stowed correctly.

The Channel Islands Co-op is confident the storm will not cause too many empty shelves in its supermarkets.

Forecasters said high tide in Jersey will be at about 09:00 GMT on Thursday when the wind is blowing from the south west, meaning it could throw waves and debris over sea walls.

The Parish of St Helier has cancelled all parish hall inquiries for Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the bad weather.