Weather Alert: Storm Goretti Impacts and Safety Advice

A weather warning is in effect for Jersey, with the Government advising all islanders to stay at home as Storm Goretti approaches. 

The latest estimate is that it’s due to reach us at 6pm with a forecast wind speed of around 85knots. With high tide at 10:04pm tonight and an expected storm surge, a RED weather warning has been issued urging islanders to stay at home. 

The Government has asked us to encourage you to follow communications from the emergency services, government, the utility companies and transport sectors and to consider your business contingency plans for an event like this to assure the safety of your workforce. 

There is a high risk of damage to buildings and the natural environment which is likely to have an impact on travel and business operations tomorrow morning. Please keep your staff informed about your own contingency plans and how you will communicate with them over the next 24 hours. 

Recovery crews will clear routes in accordance with a prioritised plan. Currently, they do not anticipate a widespread school closure for tomorrow and headteachers will inspect sites in the morning to ensure a safe opening can take place. 

You may be aware that sailings have been cancelled or re-scheduled and that the Airport will close early this evening. Airlines will be adjusting their own schedules based on, a) onset of the storm; and b) because no commercial aircraft will be overnighted at Jersey airport due to risk of damage. An airfield inspection tomorrow morning will determine re-opening time and resumption of commercial flights. 

Thank you for reading this and stay safe.