Long traffic delays as storm hits Jersey

Monday 08 February 2016

Storm force winds are battering the Island this morning with gusts at up to 70 knots, and Islanders are being asked to drive with care and avoid unnecessary trips outside.

The Jersey Met Office has issued a ‘Red’ warning – meaning that a combination of strong winds and high tides will probably lead to flooding and debris littering coastal roads. The police are asking Islanders to avoid outside activities during the storm and to check properties to make sure that garden furniture, bins and the like are secured.

With high tide just after 6 am, the Monday morning rush hour was hit, with some drivers facing commutes of two hours to get to work.

It's been a busy morning for Police, the Honoraries and the Department for Infrastructure with trees down in most parishes, causing hold-ups and some road closures for those on the school run and heading into work.

 Victoria Avenue was closed until 7.30 am when it re-opened Eastbound but there were big tailbacks heading into town while traffic was diverted onto the Inner Road. 

The evening commute could also be affected with high tide at 6.30 pm.

Senior forecaster Philip Johnson said that flooding on coastal roads was likely and motorists needed to take care - a further "Red Warning" was issued just before 9 am.

Mr Johnson said the cause of the problem was Storm Imogen, which is around 500 miles west of Ireland. She is due to bring strong winds and thunderstorms to the south of the British Isles and northern France.

The Met Office has issued a Storm Force 10 warning for the English Channel.

Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel said that his department was in close contact with the emergency services and were prepared to close and clear roads.