Ferry crossings cancelled following Met Office red alert

Thursday 12 January 2017

It’s time to batten down the hatches according to Jersey Met Office, as winds are expected to reach 70mph this evening.

A red storm alert was issued this morning, stating that a north-westerly Force 10 storm is imminent.

Gusts are expected to reach their peak around 17:00, with islanders urged to avoid outside activity where possible.

Pressure now falling very quickly on the barograph at Jersey Met with strongest winds from the NW expected from 5pm, gusting to 70mph. pic.twitter.com/b6L12PQCkE

— Jersey Met (@Jersey_Met) January 12, 2017

In response to the warnings, Condor has cancelled its fast ferry sailings between Guernsey, Jersey, St Malo and Poole on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January, with 350 bookings affected in total.

The ferry company has now called in additional resources to its reservations to assist passengers with amending their travel plans, or obtaining a refund.

Paul Luxon, CEO, commented: "We were aware that the prevailing weather was likely to have an impact on both sea and air travel to and from the islands and on the mainland, but are particularly well versed in proactively contacting our passengers to offer alternative arrangements. I would emphasise that safety, passenger comfort and re-arranging alternative travel are naturally our primary considerations."

Condor's Commodore Goodwill and Clipper will operate as normal, however.

The news comes following a snow alert yesterday, predicting a cold snap over Thursday and Friday with “scattered wintry showers.” 

Before planning to build a snowman, however, Islanders should be wary that, “…any accumulations of hail or snow will be small, temporary and soon melt.”

Snow Alert for Jersey issued 11/01/2017 at 10:49 UTC. pic.twitter.com/AgdrTqAnMg

— CI Weather Warnings (@Jersey_MetCI) January 11, 2017