22/10/2026
Storm Austen should arrive over the Channel Islands this evening. The Met Office has issued a red wind warning this morning in advance of winds starting to pick up.
The forecast shows that the worst of the storm will pass right over the islands early tomorrow morning, between 6am and 11am, and wind speeds could reach Force 10, with the potential for gusts of higher winds.
This brings with it the risk of flying debris and, because of the wind direction and the very dry summer, the risk of trees being uprooted and falling is heightened.
While Storm Austen is still expected to be less severe than Storm Goretti at the start of the year, the peak of the storm will be during the morning when people would be usually commuting.
This brings with it additional risk. As such Guernseyβs Emergency Services have advised that the roads should be kept as clear as possible in case they need to respond to an incident, and as such, the States of Guernsey has taken the decision to close all States schools tomorrow (Friday 23rd October).
From a Health & Social Care perspective, appointments will be going ahead, but if your appointment is cancelled for any reason, staff will reach out to you directly.
We would also encourage islanders to take all sensible precautions. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity over night and tomorrow morning. Ensure you have taken measures to protect your property, securing things like outdoor furniture at your house and closing windows, and if you have a boat, checking its moorings before the storm arrives.
If you are on the roads, please drive cautiously and be considerate of others and the conditions around you.
There will be travel disruption both at the harbour and airport, and we would advise islanders to check in with their travel providers for more information.
The worst of the storm should have passed by around midday tomorrow, although winds will remain high into the weekend.
We will continue to monitor the situation regarding the weather on Friday and on the weekend, and will provide updates as the situation progresses. The latest weather information can be found at Guernsey weather forecast | Jersey Met.
For more information, go to gov.gg/StormAusten