Storm Benjamin causes flooding and debris on roads

Waves crash over Vazon Bay in Guernsey as Storm Benjamin batters the Channel Islands with strong winds and heavy rain

Flooding and debris have affected roads in the Channel Islands after heavy overnight rainfall and strong winds.

Guernsey Police said the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre had received reports of surface water and small debris including caddy bins and branches on the island's roads.

It has been reported the area by Ville au Roi roundabout had flooded near the Mount Row traffic lights.

The Government of Jersey said 10 trees had come down during the night as Storm Benjamin brought gale force winds and lots of rain.

Guernsey Police said it expected to receive further reports of issues on the roads as the day went on.

The force advised motorists to adjust their speed and be aware of splash risks to pedestrians if they made a journey during the stormy weather.

'Expect the unexpected'

In an updated warning issued at 00:15 BST, Jersey Met Office said wind speeds of 70 knots (80.5mph) were forecast over the Channel Islands shipping area.

At 09:10, Jersey Met Office said the warning level had been downgraded from its most severe red level to orange, the second highest level, with 50 knot (57.5mph) gusts forecast.

Tristen Dodd, associate director for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure at the Government of Jersey, said engineers were called out at 02:30 to deal with trees coming down.

He said the trees had been cleared, but urged motorists to "take extra care and expect the unexpected" during journeys.

"It might be there's a road gully blocked and there's water on the road or there could be a small branch down or, in the worst case, it could be another tree has come down somewhere," Mr Dodd said.

People in the Channel Islands have been advised to take extra care if they head outside

BBC Weather said 59mph (95km/h) winds were recorded at Jersey Airport overnight while Guernsey Airport had 56mph (90km/h) gusts.

Jersey Water said it had taken precautionary measures and closed the Queens Valley and Val de la Mare reservoirs until at least Friday morning.

Jersey Ports and Guernsey Harbours said several ferry services to the Channel Islands had been cancelled due to the weather conditions.

Guernsey Airport said some of its flights including departures to Alderney with Aurigny had been delayed due to the weather conditions.