Airports to close amid expected storm disruption

Storm Ciarán is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain

Airports in Guernsey and Alderney are closing on Thursday due to a significant storm that is expected to arrive.

Storm Ciarán is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain from Wednesday.

Boat owners are also being advised to check their vessels ahead of the storm.

States-run schools will be closed on Thursday, with ferry travel likely to be disrupted, said the States of Guernsey.

'Essential checks'

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.

Storm Ciarán is the third named storm of the season

Guernsey harbour master Captain David Barker said: "It's important to carry out all essential checks if they're on a mooring.

"Check the mooring lines, check covers and hatches, make sure the bilge pump is working and make sure they're properly secured.

"If your boat is on the west coast, and you have the chance to take it out of the water, then I'd advise doing that."

Those who normally keep vessels above the high spring tide level along the west coast are advised to move them to a safe place.

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 said it did not expect to provide any high-speed sailings until 7 November.

The Channel Islands Co-op said it was confident the storm would not cause too many empty shelves in its supermarkets.

'Impact on travel'

Guernsey Ports said Guernsey and Alderney airports would continue as normal on Wednesday, although some flights might be disrupted later in the day.

Anyone booked to travel has been advised to check with their airline before leaving home.

Both airports are scheduled to reopen at 10:00 on Friday.

Guernsey Airport will operate until 23:45 on Friday, and Alderney until 21:00, to help airlines catch up on any backlogs.

The forecourt outside Guernsey Airport terminal will also be closed to vehicles from 18:00 on Wednesday until the airport reopens on Friday morning.

Medevac services will not be available from 21:00 on Wednesday until 12:00 on Thursday.

Guernsey Ports chief operating officer Ross Coppolo said: “We are having to respond to the anticipated extreme weather and some impact on travel was inevitable.

"We are continuing to work with our air and sea carriers and other stakeholders to keep the disruption to a minimum, but, at the same time, ensuring the safety of our staff and that of the public, which is our priority.”