Storm Goretti 'violent' 90mph winds spark red weather warning with lives and buildings at risk

A red weather warning has been issued as Storm Goretti brings gusts of up to 100mph and a warning for people to stay indoors. The Channel Islands are expected to experience strong winds of up to 100mph today along with heavy rainfall.

With unprecedented ten amber and yellow alerts issued across the UK, most of the country and the Channel Islands will be affected by the snow, rain and wind brought by the storm this week as it gets stronger, heading towards the UK's shores.

Red warnings have been issued in the shipping areas of the islands for strong wind as well as tidal and coastal flooding especially across Guernsey. Winds could reach 90 or even 100 mph in the English channel.

Jersey Met Office has issued a red "violent" storm alert, advising islanders to stay indoors.

Islanders are expected to "stay at home" on Thursday, January 8 evening and overnight for "their safety", says the States of Guernsey.

Winds are expected to reach up to force 12 from 9pm on Thursday into the early hours of Friday morning until around 6am. 

The isles government has advised people to stay indoors and to consider rearranging any plants with events likely to be cancelled.

The government said: "Storm Goretti is expected to hit the Bailiwick, with the potential of extremely high winds, with gusts up to force 12, and heavy rainfall.

"Officers from across the public sector met today to put plans in place, and while we are awaiting a final forecast which will be issued tomorrow morning, current projections are that the island could experience serious storm weather.

"On that basis, we are expecting to ask islanders to stay at home tomorrow evening and overnight for their safety. Winds are projected to peak at 9pm tomorrow (Thursday), and continue into the early hours of Friday. Wind speeds are not expected to significantly pick up until around 6pm.

"If you currently have plans, it is worth considering rearranging them. Events taking place on States of Guernsey sites are likely to be cancelled, and that will be confirmed tomorrow morning.

"We’d also ask people to secure their properties; check their gardens for anything that needs to be secured to reduce the risk of flying debris.

"Islanders with boats are asked to check and secure their moorings ahead of the storm. It is likely that bus services will finish early on Thursday and be suspended until wind speeds drop. Kerbside recycling collection could also be cancelled."

Aurigny and Guernsey Ports will close early today, suspending all flights from 6pm due to Storm Goretti and is expected to reopen at 8.30am on Friday morning.