Red weather warning causes havoc for New Year getaway

Friday 29 December 2017

Islanders due to escape Jersey for the New Year could see their travel plans scuppered – a red weather warning has been issued, with the airport and Condor advising that some services could be cancelled or delayed.

Storm force 10 winds and gusts of up to 70 knots were forecast this morning, and islanders are being urged to take caution when going outside.

The strong winds are already causing travel issues with Condor Ferries' sailings to the UK cancelled and those to St Malo delayed.

Jersey Met warned of "squally showers with a risk of hail and thunder," which should clear around midday. 

Thunderstorms and showers approaching the Islands from the west, keep an eye on the Channel Island weather radar latest image here https://t.co/AwDv5n4q7R pic.twitter.com/udv0GAPYF7

— Jersey Met (@Jersey_Met) December 29, 2017

The weather warning prompted the Fire Service to urge islanders to take care, secure their garden furniture and be wary of debris.  

The Police also advised islanders to stay safe in the windy conditions. 

The weather conditions are likely to affect many islanders trying to get away for New Year. The airport warned passengers that weather warnings across the UK due to snow and the strong wind warnings in Jersey would be "likely to result in disruption/cancellations to air services in/out of Jersey Airport over the next few days."

Passengers are being asked to check their airline’s flight tracker and keep up to date with arrivals and departures on the Jersey Airport website.

With strong winds expected between 0900-1200 please take care out there. Secure garden furniture and be wary of flying debris pic.twitter.com/LiqfMTEq4s

— Jersey Fire & Rescue (@JsyFire) December 29, 2017

Meanwhile, Condor Ferries had to cancel their service to the UK today and tomorrow due to sea conditions being above their "safe and legal operating limits." 

The Condor Rapide sailings between Jersey and St Malo have been rescheduled and the ferry is now due to arrive in Jersey at 17:50 and to depart to St. Malo at 18:35. The Clipper service has also been rescheduled and the service between Jersey and Guernsey cancelled. The Clipper will now travel to Guernsey first and arrive in Jersey at 23:00 to depart to the UK at 01:00.

The afternoon service to St Malo on Saturday has also been cancelled.  

Pictured: A list of cancelled services according to the Condor website. 

With weather conditions not likely to improve in the first week of January, the ferry service to Poole has also been cancelled for 2 January due to what Condor Ferries describes as "a prolonged spell of very stormy weather caused by deep low pressure systems with resulting gale force winds." 

The ferry provider also warned that the sailings to France on 2 January are under review, as "predicted wind speeds and sea conditions will be considerably above our safe and legal operating limits for high speed vessels." A decision will be made on 31 December.