Winds gusting up to 75mph could hit Jersey on Friday as Storm Austen brings a risk of travel disruption, damage and localised flooding.
The first named storm of the season is expected to bring increasingly strong winds from Thursday evening, with conditions peaking overnight into Friday morning.
Jersey Met’s forecast shows west to north-west winds reaching gale force eight, potentially severe gale force nine, on Friday morning, accompanied by blustery showers which could be heavy at times.
Winds are expected to remain very strong and gusty throughout Friday, with gusts of up to 60mph during the afternoon and 55mph at first overnight.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department warned: “It is likely that there will be disruption to travel as well as potential damage to trees, infrastructure, and a risk of localised flooding.”
It added: “Jersey Met would like to reassure Islanders that the weather situation is being closely monitored. Further updates and advice will follow tomorrow afternoon.”
Separately, an orange wind warning for the Channel Islands shipping area was issued this afternoon, forecasting north-westerly force-eight gales with gusts reaching 50 knots.
That warning said travel disruption was likely and that moored boats in exposed locations could suffer damage.
Islanders can check the latest forecasts and official weather warnings at gov.je/weather.
