The destructive path of Storm Ciarán in Guernsey

The waves lashed seafront homes in Guernsey

Guernsey was pelted by rain and pummelled by 70mph (112km/h) winds as Storm Ciarán battered the island.

Sweeping in from the Atlantic with a violent swell, it forced road and school closures on Thursday while islanders reported damage to homes.

More than 70 trees fell as police urged people to "stay home, stay safe" amid "calls for support" from drivers.

Emergency services faced "unprecedented conditions" in order to protect the island, Bailiwick Law Enforcement said.

The wind caused damage to buildings

The States of Guernsey said the airport terminal building and the QEII Marina both suffered damage due to high winds with ports staff due to carry out inspections.

In the early hours of Thursday, heavy rain caused flooding across the island, while Guernsey was reported to be in the "worst part of the storm" by 08:00 GMT.

Residents on seafront roads in Guernsey kept vigil as the tide rose, while a home on Rue Jameneau was damaged by the storm.

James Turvey, 33, said he heard a "loud bang" and parts of the building were found on the street.

A home on Rue Jamenau was damaged by the storm

Alison Harris, who lives on Perelle Coast Road, said: "The waves are washing my house and shaking all the glass."

In St Saviour, scaffolding was blown down from the roof of a building.

Dozens of trees were reported to be down, including a number on Guernsey's Princess Elizabeth Hospital site, where workers could also be seen removing fallen trees near the entrance.

A number of trees fell on the site of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and blocked both entrances

The States of Guernsey said part of the hospital roof was damaged in the storm, but there was no risk to patients.

Meanwhile, all bus services were cancelled ahead of a "review" due to take place later in the day, said the States of Guernsey, which also shut all its schools.

Condor Ferries cancelled all its sailings on Thursday.

Ruari Hardy, head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement, said they were asking people to stay at home where possible on Thursday afternoon due to the "after-effects" of the storm.

He added: "More than 70 trees have fallen, we have flooding on some major roads, there is debris in more other areas and all of that combined means it is still dangerous to be driving on the roads right now."

He said that nobody was injured was "great news", but said some islanders were facing "significant challenges" due to damage of properties and vehicles and support was being provided where necessary.

Alex Purdie, who works for Alderney Wildlife Trust, said the island had "escaped some of the worst of it", bar a "couple of trees down" - but expressed concerns for sea birds and grey seals.

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