Storm Austen: Aurigny offers flexibility, pet and boat owners encouraged to prepare
- Storm Austen to bring severe gales up to 75mph, heavy rain and thunder to Guernsey Thursday night through Friday morning
- Aurigny introduces WeatherFlex policy offering free flight changes for passengers traveling October 21-23 across Channel Islands routes
- Guernsey Ports advises boat owners to secure vessels and check moorings as seasonal harbor infrastructure brought ashore
- GSPCA urges pet owners to ensure outdoor animals have secure shelter and warns public about seal pup season during rough weather
- Worst conditions expected 6am to midday Friday with gusts continuing up to 60mph later in the day
Storm Austen is bringing severe gales with gusts forecasted up to 75mph (121km/h), heavy rain, and thunder expected to hit Guernsey between Thursday night and Friday morning.
The worst of the weather is due from 6am to midday on Friday, but gusts will continue up to 60mph later in the day.
Here is the current advice to travellers, boat owners and those with pets:
Aurigny offers flexibility to Channel Islands passengers
Aurigny has introduced additional flexibility for passengers as Storm Austen approaches the Channel Islands.
The airline is offering free flight changes under its WeatherFlex policy to customers booked on eligible services during the disruption period.
All flights to and from Alderney operating between 21 and 23 October are covered by the policy, alongside all Guernsey services on 23 October. Selected ATR network flights to and from Guernsey on 22 October are also included in the scheme.
Passengers wishing to change their travel plans can move their flight to an alternative date within five days of their original scheduled departure at no additional cost. The airline intends to operate all scheduled services where safe conditions permit.
Clive Acton, head of customer services at Aurigny, said: "We hope this additional flexibility will provide our communities with some reassurance and greater certainty as they make their travel plans during this period of unsettled weather."
Affected customers have been contacted directly by email with details of their options. Passengers who booked through a travel agency should contact their agent to arrange changes.
Should weather conditions force the cancellation of any flights, affected customers will be eligible for a full refund.
The airline has warned that phone lines may be busier than usual during this period and has asked customers to call only if their enquiry is urgent and relates to travel over the next few days. Full details of eligible flights are available on the airline's website at aurigny.com/information/disruptions.
Guernsey Ports urges boat owners to prepare for Storm Austen
Guernsey Ports has advised local boat owners to ensure their vessels are prepared for winter conditions ahead of the first named storm of the season.
Storm Austen is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain overnight on Thursday and into Friday.
Seasonal harbour infrastructure is already being brought ashore ahead of the worst of the weather. The walk-ashore bridge serving the Swan pontoons was lifted out of the water by the Sarnia workboat on Tuesday morning.
Precautionary measures are being taken across the harbour estate, and berth holders are being encouraged to do likewise before conditions worsen. People with vessels still on bay moorings have also been advised to check their boats are properly secured ahead of any bad weather.
Harbour Master James Way said: "The arrival of Storm Austen is a timely reminder to check your vessels are ready for the winter, if you haven't had the chance to already.
"With strong winds forecast, we would encourage boat owners to take a few simple precautions and make sure their vessels, moorings and equipment are secure before conditions deteriorate."
Guernsey Ports is advising vessel owners to check that mooring lines are in good condition and correctly secured, fenders are correctly positioned and adequately inflated, and bilge pumps are operational with batteries fully charged.
Boat owners should also ensure cockpit drains and scuppers are free from debris, loose items on deck are removed or firmly secured, and shore power connections are safe and secure.
The walk-ashore bridge, together with other seasonal pontoon infrastructure, will undergo cleaning, inspection and maintenance over the winter before being returned to service in the spring ahead of the leisure boating and visitor season.
GSPCA urges islanders to take extra care with their pets, livestock and report any problems faced by wildlife
Strong winds and heavy weather can present significant risks to animals, particularly those housed or kept outdoors.
The GSPCA is encouraging owners to check that all animals have access to safe, secure shelter, fresh water, food and protection from the elements.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said: "Periods of high winds can be stressful and dangerous for animals. We would ask all pet owners and animal keepers to take a few moments to check outdoor hutches, enclosures, fencing and shelters to ensure they are secure and able to withstand the weather conditions.
"Rabbits, tortoises, poultry and other animals kept outside should be given extra protection from the wind and rain, while livestock and horses should have access to suitable shelter and be checked regularly throughout the storm.
"We would also remind dog owners to take extra care when exercising pets during strong winds and to avoid unnecessary risks near coastal areas, cliffs and exposed locations."
The charity is particularly mindful of the impact storms can have on wildlife. High winds and rough seas can make it difficult for birds and other wild animals to find shelter, food and safe resting places.
People are asked to keep an eye out for wildlife that may be injured, exhausted or displaced following the storm.
Anyone who discovers a sick, injured or distressed wild animal should contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 for advice and assistance.
The charity is also reminding islanders that it is currently seal pup season, a time when rough weather can separate vulnerable pups from their mothers.
Mr Byrne added: "After periods of stormy weather we often receive calls about seal pups that have become separated from their mothers or are found resting on beaches. Whilst people are naturally concerned and want to help, it is important that seal pups are given space and are not approached.
"Getting too close can frighten a pup, cause unnecessary stress and potentially prevent a mother from returning if she is nearby. If you are concerned about a seal pup or any marine wildlife, please contact the GSPCA and we will advise on the best course of action."
Q&A
Q: What wind speeds are expected during Storm Austen?
A: Storm Austen is forecast to bring severe gales with gusts up to 75mph (121km/h) during the worst period from 6am to midday Friday, with gusts continuing up to 60mph later in the day.
Q: What is Aurigny's WeatherFlex policy for Storm Austen?
A: Aurigny is offering free flight changes for passengers on eligible services between October 21-23. Customers can move their flight to an alternative date within five days of their original departure at no additional cost, and affected customers will receive full refunds if flights are cancelled.
Q: What precautions should boat owners take ahead of the storm?
A: Guernsey Ports advises boat owners to check mooring lines are in good condition and secure, ensure fenders are properly positioned and inflated, verify bilge pumps are operational with charged batteries, clear cockpit drains of debris, remove loose items from deck, and ensure shore power connections are safe.
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