Efforts to clean up "significant damage" from Storm Goretti to continue over the weekend

Efforts to clear trees and other debris will continue across the weekend.

Storm Goretti blew through the Bailiwick on Thursday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Around 100 roads were closed on Friday morning, with dangerously uprooted trees on both private and public land taking down walls and ripping up roads and paths. Other trees landed on buildings and cars causing widespread destruction.

Saumarez Park and Le Guet have both experienced “significant damage to trees” with videos and photographs of felled trees and other damage at Route de Cobo and the path to the Fairy Ring being shared extensively across the island.

Pictured: An uprooted tree at Saumarez Park.

Members of the public have been asked to avoid Saumarez Park and Le Guet on Friday as staff from the States’ Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services team have been working to make numerous sites safe throughout the day.

Work at Saumarez Park and Le Guet was due to start following the priority works to re-open roads.

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“It is likely that there are other public areas across the south and west coast which have yet to be assessed but will also be dangerous,” said a spokesperson for ACLMS. “Therefore, please take extra care and stay away from damaged trees over the weekend.”

Staff from States Works also worked throughout Friday as part of the initial response to the damage caused by Storm Goretti.

Some staff started clearing some of the 100 closed roads in the early hours of Friday morning, while others put up road closed signs elsewhere.

“This has helped ensure clearance work can be carried out as quickly and safely as possible, while protecting road users and pedestrians,” said Joe Adams, Operations Director at States Works.

Pictured above and top: Damage in the Castel (Marc Cohen).

He said the land management teams have been supporting the road cleansing crews in the clear up, with priority being given to major arterial routes and areas that do not require specialist tree surgeons.

“Our teams were prepared for today’s response following one of the most significant storms to hit the island since Storm Ciaran,” said Mr Adams.

“Road sweepers and specialist equipment are working along the west coast to clear sand and seaweed that has been washed over the sea wall, as well as in the St Peter Port area.

“We are also assisting with the removal of branches and other debris that has been blown onto the roads.

“Despite the scale of the damage, there has thankfully been very little localised flooding. However, the clean-up will take some time, and we ask the public for their patience as work continues.”