Storm Goretti: houses evacuated, trees down, schools closed - now the cleanup begins
Winds gusting at more than 80mph have caused extensive damage around Guernsey.
Storm Goretti hit the island earlier than expected and then its slow passage, with winds peaking at up to 84mph according to Jersey Met, left damaged houses and blocked roads in its wake.
Unofficial reports recorded gusts topping 100mph in Alderney.
All schools are closed today, with the States urging people not to travel on the roads to allow the cleanup to take place.
Two blocks of flats in the Green Lanes, St Peter Port (Maison Brock and Maison Haro) were evacuated in the night, with 50 people relocated to two hotels, after a tree fell and caused significant structural damage.
Among other damage was panelling on the Vale Garage Roof, a tree taking down a wall near the Grammar School, a wall collapse in Le Gele Road, insulation coming off the wall of property at the Longstore, a tree falling onto a parked van at the hospital, and a tree down blocking the road at La Vrangue.
Kayaks were picked up and blown some 300m across the common at Les Amarreus.
Commenting on the schools closure decision, a spokesperson said: “We appreciate that this may cause inconvenience to some families, however this decision was taken to reduce risks given many major roads are blocked or covered in debris.
“This will also support efforts to clear the roads as quickly and effectively as possible without the added pressure of heavy morning traffic. Further, there is damage to school buildings and facilities, which is still being assessed.”
Guernsey Airport reopened at 8.30am after Aurigny got its last flight out to London Gatwick at 3pm yesterday.
The airport suspended operation at 6pm.
Guernsey Ports Airport Director, Richard Thomasson, said the severe weather contingency plan had been successfully enacted, and had limited disruption to air travel.
“Once the severe weather was forecast it was clear the wind conditions yesterday evening would be well outside safe operation limits. So we worked swiftly with our airline partners and other operators and service providers to ensure the suspension of flight operations was managed smoothly and the services were able to resume as early as possible today.
“I am extremely grateful to our staff in both Guernsey and Alderney, many of whom were mobilised by 5.30am to inspect the aerodromes for damage and begin the significant clear- up operation. That was vital to the prompt resumption of services.
“We plan for such eventualities but on the rare occasions that we have to put those plans into effect it is very pleasing to see everything work so well."
Alderney Airport suffered damage, after part of a door on a privately-owned hangar was dislodged by the wind. This resulted in significant debris across the airfield, which had to be cleared by the airport’s operations teams before flying could recommence.
It reopened shortly at 8.50am.
Condor cancelled scheduled sailings on the Islander and Voyager, while Channel Chieftain which brings in the national newspapers is also not sailing.
The GSCPA suffered significant damage, although all the animals in its care are safe.
Its newest aviaries, which were installed following Storm Ciaran two years ago, were badly hit.
Several fences, gates, and outbuildings have moved, and it sustained roof damage in some areas.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said: "We are incredibly grateful to our amazing team and volunteers who worked tirelessly to prepare for the storm and keep the animals safe.
"A huge thank you to Breton for their swift assistance today as we start the clean-up and repairs. While our new build has thankfully escaped major damage, the impact on our aviaries and other areas is significant, and we urgently need support to recover from this."
The Guernsey Sporting Achievement awards were postponed last night and due to take place this evening instead.
Edward T Wheadon House will open with a limited service from 10.30am.
Frossard House will open from midday.
Postal deliveries and island-wide collections have been cancelled today by Guernsey Post.
Its Town Post Office, Envoy House Post Office, and Parcel Collection Counter will also remain closed today.
Routine cesspit services have been suspended for today.
The Millennium Walk around St Saviours reservoir remains closed.
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