Major clean up begins after Storm Goretti

The Bailiwick has been battered by Storm Goretti, with trees brought down, property damaged and 50 people evacuated from flats in St Peter Port.

A major clean up operation is underway across Guernsey and Alderney after last night's storm swept across the Channel Islands.

Goretti roared in, with wind strengths picking up at around 6pm on Thursday night and peaking between 9pm and midnight.

Jersey Met say Guernsey's largest gust recorded was 84mph, and a gust of 95mph was recorded at Jersey Airport. 

Two blocks of flats in St Peter Port had be evacuated due to the damage caused when a tree hit the buildings, with around 50 people moved to emergency hotel accommodation.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez has thanked those who 'braved the severe elements last night to help others and keep them safe' and those working to clear roads and restore order. 

She asks islanders to work from home today if they can, to reduce the number of journeys taking place. 

The government has said that if there is any way for islanders to avoid travel, they should do, as it will help limit heavy traffic and importantly speed up the clean-up.

Further information or any major updates directly from the government can be found here. 

Public Services and Spaces

All postal deliveries have been cancelled.

All retail has been closed. 

Guernsey Water says the cesspit service is suspended, with emergency collections available on a case-by-case basis and limited by access. 

The Millennium Walk remains closed.

Brickfield House is closed to all customers for the remainder of the day.

There is disruption to Health and Social Care Services:

Schools

All schools in Guernsey and Alderney will be closed, including the grant-aided colleges.

There is damage to school buildings and facilities, which is still being assessed.

Travel

Guernsey Airport saw only minor damage on the airfield overnight, with no reported damage to the terminal, and was able to reopen as planned this morning.

Flight operations in Guernsey and Alderney have resumed as normal.

All ferries to and from Guernsey today have been cancelled. 

Some bus routes are cancelled or reduced.

Roads

As the peak of the winds subsided, States of Guernsey reported 64 trees down across the island, but with more expected to be reported when dawn reveals more of the destruction.

There are several large trees down around Pleinmont. There are reports that it's very difficult to get to the upper parishes from anywhere past Rocquaine.

Teams have been out assessing the damage, with tree surgeons clearing the blocked roads of fallen trees.

Property Damage

Properties have been damaged, with collapsed roofs and walls.

READ: Storm causes gable end to collapse on Guernsey property

There has also been reports of telephone poles and scaffolding collapsing, as well as windows blowing in.

Some cars have been crushed by fallen trees. 

In the night, an islander reported that five stables had been destroyed by falling trees, with three horses trapped inside, which were managed to be freed. 

Mooring holders are advised to check on their vessels.

There has been some damage to pontoons and mooring lines overnight. Harbour and marina teams have been on-site since 6 am assessing damage and carrying out essential repairs.

Some mooring holders have already been contacted, as some vessels need to be relocated to other berths.

There were no reported incidents at sea overnight.

Stay tuned to Island FM for the latest updates, and check back as we continue our Storm Goretti coverage.

The government has a landing page for more information and contact numbers here.