Red Wind Warning Issued Across the Channel Islands

Red Weather Warning Issued for Channel Islands as Severe Winds Approach

A red weather warning has been issued for the Channel Islands, with forecasters warning of severe gale-force winds expected to hit from Thursday morning.

According to the Jersey Met Office, south-easterly winds of force seven are forecast to shift west to south-west, bringing gusts of up to 65 knots across the Channel Islands shipping area.

On land, Jersey and Guernsey are expected to face gusts of around 60mph (97km/h) early Thursday, accompanied by cloudy skies, blustery showers, and occasional sunny spells.

Wind speeds are predicted to ease slightly later in the day, with gusts dropping to around 55mph (89km/h) by the afternoon. Conditions should gradually improve into the evening, though showers and gusts of up to 45mph (72km/h) may persist.

Public urged to take precautions

In its advisory, the Jersey Met Office urged residents to avoid outdoor activities and to secure any loose items around their homes and gardens.

“Winds are ramping up from light to (possibly) severe gale force over the next 15 hours,” the Met Office said on X.“Although those strengths are unlikely to be felt fully over land, now’s a good time to secure anything loose in your garden.”

The warning follows the naming of Storm Benjamin by Météo France, which is expected to bring the most severe impacts to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.