Storm Austen, which is predicted to hit Jersey on Thursday evening, will mean the closure of all government schools on Friday, as islanders were warned to avoid outdoor activity tomorrow morning.
Education Minister Catherine Curtis took the decision to close government schools based on a weather forecast showing winds of force 9 by Friday morning. The announcement was made as early as possible, Islanders were told, to give families time to organise childcare arrangements.
Independent schools and private nurseries have yet to confirm whether or not they will follow suit.
The news about the government schools came alongside an update about forecast weather conditions from Jersey Met, which the government advised that a red wind warning was likely to be issued during the early hours of Thursday, 24 hours ahead of the start of the strongest winds expected early on Friday morning,
The statement continued: “Taking into account the detailed weather picture and the time of day that the strongest winds are forecast on Friday morning, Islanders are being advised to avoid outdoor activity where possible.
“Although Storm Austen is not predicted to be as severe as Storms Ciarán [in November 2023] or Goretti [January 2026], it is likely that there will be disruption to travel as well as potential damage to trees affecting travel routes, and a risk of localised flooding.”
The Jersey Met forecast indicates that winds will increase from Thursday evening and overnight, reaching a peak on Friday morning, remaining very strong and gusty throughout the day.
On Friday morning, winds are forecast to reach Gale F8 to Severe Gale F9 with gusts of 70 to 80 mph with a gradual decrease during the afternoon.
In a statement on Thursday morning, a government spokesperson: “A Channel Islands red wind warning was issued this morning as Storm Austen approaches.
“Jersey Met is forecasting very strong winds from Thursday evening, with the strongest expected early on Friday. These will likely reach Gale F8 to Severe Gale F9 with gusts of 70 to 80 mph.
“Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to continue through Friday before gradually easing in the afternoon.
“This may cause disruption to travel, fallen trees or branches on travel routes, and some localised flooding.
“Please take care and, where possible, avoid outdoor activity on Friday morning.”
What services will be affected?
Health and emergency services
- Emergency, urgent and maternity services are continuing to operate as normal.
- Islanders are asked to only call 999 for an ambulance in a life-threatening emergency. Please only attend the Emergency Department if you have a serious illness or injury that requires emergency care.
- If you have an outpatient appointment at the Hospital on Friday, please attend as planned if it is safe for you to travel, unless you are contacted and informed otherwise by the Health Department.
- A decision on whether the Patient Transport Service will operate on Friday is being made today.
- All patients with appointments in the UK have been contacted.
Infrastructure & Environment closures (Friday)
- The Recycling Centre and Green Waste site at La Collette will be closed.
- Sports centres will be closed until at least 3pm. Follow Active Jersey on social media for updates.
- Howard Davis Park, Coronation (Millbrook) Park and Sir Winston Churchill Park will be closed. Parks will be assessed on Saturday morning and reopened if safe to do so.
- Millennium Park will remain open. However, park facilities will be closed until weather conditions improve.
Other services
- All schools and colleges are closed on Friday. This decision was made yesterday, by the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, as early as possible to give families time to organise childcare arrangements.
- CAMHS at Bermuda House will be closed tomorrow. Two duty nurses and a duty doctor will monitor the duty phone remotely and review any crisis appointments at the hospital. Some appointments / reviews will move to teams where appropriate.
- All youth clubs will be closed Thursday night.
- The Jersey Library and Western Library will be closed Friday morning.
- For individual childcare arrangements please check with your nursery, childminder or after school club.
- The Union Street Customer Hub will remain open as normal.
Islanders are urged to stay tuned with the latest news via sources such as the Bailiwick Express and JEP websites, as well as the government’s social media accounts.
