Strong winds warning - information and advice

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
  

There are a number of things that you can do to prepare for such risks. 

In Jersey, the Meteorological Office (Jersey Met) provides weather forecasting and a system of alerting procedures for severe weather, including strong winds. Detailed below is the alert warning system operated by Jersey Met. 

Warnings from Jersey Met are widely distributed amongst States Departments and Emergency Services and are available online at: 

Jersey forecast

They will also publish weather warnings online at:

Weather warnings

Jersey MetCI Twitter

Advice for road users during strong winds

All road users are asked to 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.

Strong winds advice

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
  

Preparing for a power cut

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

Or on the JEC website