Strong winds: information and advice

Risks

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 warnings on X

Advice for road users during strong winds

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

JEC website