Guernsey: Storm Ciarán clear-up continues

Damage to properties - such as this roof in St Saviour - is being assessed

A clear-up operation will continue in Guernsey after 70mph (112km/h) winds battered the island during Storm Ciarán.

Most schools reopened on Friday but some remained closed, including the College of Further Education and Ladies College.

More than 70 trees fell and people are being urged to watch out for debris.

Ruari Hardy, head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement, said major incident status was stood down on Thursday evening.

The police headquarters switchboard said it had fielded 281 calls between midnight on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon and thanked the community and its staff for helping to co-ordinate the storm response.

More than 70 trees fell across the island during the storm

A "significant number" of roads continue to be blocked or obstructed by fallen trees, Guernsey Traffic and Highway Services said.

It also said some trees could now be "at risk of falling" and advised people to "check the perimeter of any land" that they own to see if any roads are obstructed, or are likely to be obstructed.

Flights resumed from Guernsey and Alderney airports after they were closed on Thursday.

Guernsey Airport suffered some damage to its roof in the storm and repairs were started.

Nik De Garis said from the look of the high street 'you wouldn't know' there was a storm the day before

By Nik De Garis, BBC Guernsey

Following the high winds and rain, the hustle and bustle of a typical day in St Peter Port has returned.

The shops are mostly open and, besides some leftover leaves, you wouldn't know from the look of the high street that there was stormy weather yesterday.

The cargo boat has been able to deliver as normal, meaning the food shelves are starting to fill up again after panic buying earlier in the week.

It's also back to normal for students who returned to school today, except for the College of Further Education. The harbour and airport have returned to the usual hubbub.

Overall it's business as usual in the capital of the island. You wouldn't know there was a huge meteorological event yesterday.

Freight services by sea have also resumed as have services from Guernsey to Sark.

Harbour master Captain David Barker said: "The precautions we took were very effective.

"The boats we knew were vulnerable were moved to safe places and there does not seem to be any significant damage."

Guernsey's chief minister has warned the island is "likely to suffer from further bad weather" in the coming days.

Deputy Peter Ferbrache urged islanders to be vigilant as further damage is possible and asked residents to follow the guidance issued by emergency services.

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