With a strong wind weather warning, a number of risks are possible. They include:
- power cuts
- disruption to travel
- risk of flying debris
- fallen trees
- damage to property
Jersey Met provides weather forecasting for severe weather, including strong winds.
Follow Jersey Met social media accounts to stay up to date:
Jersey MetCI on X
CI weather warnin​gs on X
Pay attention to any road signs and temporary arrangements put in place during severe weather.
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong cross winds.
In very windy weather a vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Motorists are also advised to drive with care due to possible wind-blown debris.
If you're planning to travel by air or sea, you should check with the Ferry Company or Airline in case there are any delays or cancellations.
You should:
- keep your property in a well-maintained condition (for example replace / repair any loose roof tiles, guttering, and so on that could potentially come loose and cause injury or damage to property)
- secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture, wheelie bins, trampolines, or anything else that could be blown around
- close and securely fasten doors and windows
- park vehicles in a garage (if you have one) or keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls, and fences
- make sure you are prepared should there be a power cut
During a storm you should:
- stay indoors as much as possible
- if you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees;
- not go outside to repair damage while the storm is ongoing
- not drive unless your journey is really necessary
After a storm you should:
- be careful not to touch any electrical / telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
- not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened
It's important to be prepared for a potential loss of power. You should:
- know where your household fuses and trip switches are so that you can check if the problem is with your electrics only
- test smoke alarms regularly
- keep a supply of new batteries in torches and radios (for checking updates on news bulletins)
- keep a supply of candles
- keep mobile phones, laptops or tablets fully charged so you will have use of battery power for a short time at least
- have the telephone numbers you might need to hand (as well as mobile phones, a non-mains powered landline telephone will help you stay in touch during any disruptions to your power supply)
- if you have a baby at home, make sure you have a supply of pre-prepared formula baby milk (if used) and prepare a flask of hot water to heat bottles and baby food (it is always safer to make up a fresh feed; when this is not possible, feeds should never be stored for longer than 24 hours)
If your electricity goes off
If your electricity goes off, you should:
- check your fuses and trip switches - then check if your neighbours are without power
- leave one light on
- leave your fridge / freezer switched on with the door shut to maintain a low temperature
- check that other electrical appliances and machinery are switched off at the wall
- preferably use a torch, oil or gas lamp as a source of light rather than candles
- if you must use naked flames, please take extra care and make certain that they are put out before you go to bed
- check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours in your area to make sure they are okay
- if you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning
Reporting a power cut
If your power is off and you want to report it or get more information, contact the Jersey Electricity Company on the following contact numbers:
Office hours: +44 (0) 1534 505460
Out of office hours (and emergencies): +44 (0) 1534 505050
JEC w​ebsite
gov.je