CI Airports to close early as Storm Goretti approaches

Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney airports will close at 6pm on Thursday evening (8th January) as the islands brace for the peak of Storm Goretti.

People across the Channel Islands have been warned to stay indoors this evening.

Storm Goretti, named by the French weather service, is set to bring heavy rain and damaging winds, with gusts to 90mph overnight into Friday morning.

Forecasters are monitoring the situation, but the current prediction is that winds will increase throughout Thursday, particularly after 6pm.

Justyna Niedospial from Jersey Met told us:

"The more distruptive of those winds would be between 6pm and the early hours of Friday morning, but most likely peaking around 9pm and that is most likely to be a severe gale force 9 in the island and within the shipping area there is a small chance of a violent storm force 11."

Advice is to stay at home, and away from the coast.

High tide is at around 10pm, and high waves are set to overtop defences.

The airports have taken the decision to close early.

Ashley Maggs, Jersey Airport Operations Director said:

"We expect to reopen on Friday morning, however some flights may be affected, please check directly with your airline for the latest flight status information. ​

"Safety is our highest priority, if your flight is cancelled, please don’t travel to the airport, we will share further updates via social media.​"

Guernsey Airport expects cancellations of some outbound and inbound flights from late afternoon on Thursday, and some early morning Friday services to also be disrupted.

The terminal is expected to reopen at 7am on Friday, following early morning safety inspections. The first inbound flights on Friday are currently expected to arrive in the island after 8.30am.

Guernsey Ports Airport Director, Richard Thomasson, said the airport was activating its contingency plans:

“Severe weather events obviously pose particular challenges for air travel, and our priority first and foremost is the safety of the travelling public, as well as that of our own staff.

“Working with our airline partners and other stakeholders, we have agreed a plan that will keep everyone safe, but also minimise disruption and ensure operations return to normal as quickly as possible.”

Passenger ferry sailings are cancelled.

People are advised to check their properties and secure anything in their gardens to reduce the risk of flying debris.

Boatowners should check their moorings.

Bus services are likely to be suspended early and recycling collections could be postponed.

Co-op stores and Waitrose stores across the Channel Islands will close at 6pm because of the storm with Morrisons shops closing at 7pm; Jersey's Town Library will be shutting at 5pm. JT shops in Guernsey and Jersey will also close at 5pm.

The retailers are advising people to shop early today if they need essentials.

We'll keep you updated with the latest advice and guidance as we get it.