Morning flights at Jersey Airport were cancelled on Friday, 23 October 2026, due to Storm Austen, which has brought a red wind warning—the highest category—to the Channel Islands. The red warning resulted in disruptive weather conditions, forcing Guernsey and Alderney airports to close until noon that day. Ports of Jersey warned of “severe disruption to flights and sailings.”
Storm Austen produced gale-force winds starting at midnight, with the strongest gusts near 3am persisting through much of the morning. Jersey Met’s head of meteorology, Paul Aked, said winds exceeded 80mph in the Channel Islands, with St Mary’s Airport in the Isles
of Scilly recording a 76mph gust on the same morning. Aked urged residents to avoid outdoor activities, secure garden furniture, and check on neighbors during the storm.
Public Services and Recreational Facilities Closed in Jersey
The storm caused widespread closures affecting residents and visitors on 23 October. Schools in Jersey closed for the day, while the La Collette recycling and green waste centre remained shut throughout Friday. Sports centres stayed closed until at least 3pm, and key parks including Howard Davis, Coronation, and Sir Winston Churchill parks shut until Saturday morning for damage assessment.
Jersey and Western Libraries closed on Friday morning, along with CAMHS at Bermuda House
and all Jersey Heritage sites. Jon Carter, CEO of Jersey Heritage, stated that the safety of staff is the organization’s primary concern and that reopening decisions will follow after evaluating potential damage.
Transport Disruptions and Official Statements
Jersey Harbour closed at 6pm on Thursday, 22 October, and remained closed throughout Friday. Ports of Jersey advised travelers to maintain direct contact with airlines or travel agents for status updates. A spokesperson emphasized, “Our big message for travellers is to keep in close contact with your airline or travel agent for updates and information about your travel.” Jon Carter added safety remains paramount amidst storm-related disruptions.
Emergency Services Operating with Restrictions Amid Storm
Emergency,
urgent, and maternity services at Jersey hospital continued normal operations on 23 October. Ambulance service remained active but limited to life-threatening emergencies only. Outpatient appointments proceeded as scheduled, though patients were advised to travel only if conditions were safe. The public was urged to avoid unnecessary travel during peak gale conditions lasting across the working morning.
