Storm clean-up in 'full swing' on Channel Islands

A major clean-up operation has been in "full swing" across Guernsey this weekend following Storm Goretti, the States says.

The storm on Thursday, with wind speeds of 95mph (154km/h), left fallen trees, structural damage and some islanders without power.

An orange weather warning for wind was issued on Sunday by Jersey Met at about 02:35 GMT. The warning stated people on Guernsey and Jersey should remain vigilant and check the latest forecasts.

The States of Guernsey said a huge amount of work to clear roads and repair damage had been undertaken, but there was "still a lot to do". Officials in Jersey said they were more than halfway through dealing with fallen trees and related incidents.

Guernsey States said it continued to receive reports drivers were ignoring road closed signs and urged people not to drive through road closed signs.

It said: "There is a good chance you're going to encounter people working to try and clear the road - which is why it's closed - so you're putting them in danger."

It said a number of roads remained closed, particularly in the Castel area.

Following the weather warning, the States added: "There is an orange wind warning for today, and it could be enough to dislodge loose debris or give a damaged tree the last push before it falls.

"Please take care and be alert to your surroundings."

At 13:30 its traffic and highways services said there had been an unplanned road closure from 14:00 at Route de Jerbourg in St Martins for tree surgery works.

"The works are taking place close to the car park at Jerbourg. The road is expected to be open from tomorrow," it added.

Guernsey Post said its teams would be delivering post on Sunday due to high volumes of items resulting from the disruption of mail to the island caused by the storm.

The service said: "We are aware that some roads are still impassable but we will do our best to deliver as much as we can safely.

"Thank you for your continued support."

Jersey's Department for Infrastructure and Environment (IE) said it was down to only 26 incidents, all related to trees around highways, out of the 87 it had on Thursday.

It said teams had a "full-on day" on Saturday removing remaining risks around the island and the focus had now shifted to cleaning and sweeping, which would "continue over the "coming weeks".

It said: "We've made excellent progress, what's left is routine sweeping that will take time as we work around the island."

It added that all government roads had opened, but asked people to travel with care.

Road updates can be found on the government website.

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