Flights cancelled as Storm Darragh worsens

People have been warned to steer clear of the coast and outdoor activities

A number of flights have been cancelled and the advice in the Channel Islands is to only travel if necessary as the impact of Storm Darragh is felt.

Jersey Met has issued a red wind warning for the islands, which means people are asked to avoid outside activity.

Guernsey Police said the forecast had marginally worsened overnight and the bailiwick would experience at least 75mph (121km/h) gusts of wind this afternoon - although winds are not expected to be as severe as during Storm Ciaran last year.

All but two flights from Jersey Airport have been cancelled, with most incoming also affected, and all passenger flights to and from Guernsey have been cancelled after 11:30 GMT.

All passenger flights to and from Guernsey and Jersey have been affected along with ferry sailings

All Condor ferries to both islands were cancelled on Saturday, along with the majority of Sunday sailings.

Guernsey Police said the main risk to islanders was flying debris, which it said was "coming loose particularly on and around scaffolding", with debris on roads and on the west coast, where water was coming over sea walls.

Guernsey Fire Service said the storm could "hit the islands more strongly than initially expected" and would be at its most severe between 13:00 and 19:00 GMT.

"We'd strongly urge people to avoid activities in and around the sea and the west coast this afternoon, and we'd ask people to consider cancelling any outdoor activities," a spokesperson said, adding that people should "use their own judgement" on whether to stay in or go out.

Wind are expected to gust up to 75mph

Matches postponed

Jersey government's emergency planning team said: "Avoid unnecessary travel and exposed areas, particularly the coast."

It said it heavy rain and flooding were not expected, but travel disruption was very likely.

Islanders were advised to "secure or bring loose items indoors" and not to attempt any repairs during the storm.

In a statement, it added Liberty Bus services would operate but could face disruptions.

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".

Sports events have been impacted with Guernsey Raiders postponing their rugby match with Colchester for safety reasons, despite the team and some supporters having arrived on the island.

Jersey Bulls and Guernsey FC both called off their matches on Saturday because of cancelled flights.

York Avenue was temporarily blocked on Saturday morning by a fallen tree

On Saturday evening Guernsey Police said there were 10 roads on the island "completely blocked" by trees.

These included:

• Rue Du Videcocq, St Pierre Du Bois

• Les Nicolles, Forest

• Sous Les Courtils, Castel

• Rue Poudreuse, St Martin

• Les Traudes, St Martin

• La Ruette, St Martin

• Les Effards Road, St Sampson

• Les Prevosts Road, St Saviour

• Les Ambelles/Bouet, St Peter Port

• Belval Road, Vale

They added Havilland Vale, St Martin, was partially blocked.

"Our colleagues at Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service are working hard to make these roads safe," the force said.

"The list is ongoing and we ask all road users to please use extra caution overnight."

Earlier York Avenue in Guernsey was blocked while Guernsey Fire and Rescue, helped by a tree surgeon, removed debris from a fallen tree.

Guernsey Police said five trees had already fallen around the island, with all but one cleared by fire crews.

Jersey Trees for Life said it expected trees to fall due to the strong gusts affecting the islands.

The charity's chief executive officer, Alex Morel, said the wind direction was a key factor.