Winds of 85mph were recorded in Jersey last night as Storm Austen continues to batter the island.
The severe storm reached top speeds at around 4am this morning, but severe gale F9 winds continue to blow across the island from a west to northwest direction.
Many services and businesses are closed this morning, while others are being encouraged to work from home, as the government has warned people to stay inside.
Emergency, maternity and urgent care at the hospital are still open, but people should only visit if there is an emergency.
The ambulance, too, is running, but must only be called in a life-threatening situation.
The storm is being caused by an area of extreme low pressure, which came off the atlantic and has moved across the Channel Islands.
It has now moved past Alderney, but fierce winds will continue until the storm’s wind moves past the Channel Islands.
While the airport is due to open in the afternoon, nearly every flight today has been cancelled.
Meanwhile, the harbour has been closed since yesterday and will not reopen until at least tomorrow.
The recycling centre at La Collette, Jersey’s parks and libraries are also closed today.
LibertyBus have said they will be changing routes as and when disruption faces them.
At least 40 trees are reported to have come down overnight, according to the Government of Jersey’s incident reporting page.
Wind speeds are forecast to come down a little this afternoon, but will still be blowing a gale F8.
