November 2, 2023
Storm Ciaran, the second named storm to hit the region in two weeks, unleashed its fury, subjecting the Channel Islands and the UK to extreme weather conditions. With wind speeds reaching up to 104mph, the storm left a trail of destruction, causing significant damage and widespread travel disruption. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of severe weather events.
Storm Ciaran made a relentless assault on the Channel Islands, with ferocious winds causing chaos and destruction. Residents on the island of Jersey reported tiles being torn off buildings, fences uprooted, and greenhouses shattered. The powerful gusts even managed to rip the roof off a padel court at St Clements and FB Fields, while goal posts were displaced, painting a picture of the storm’s devastation.
In Southampton, the storm struck at around 6 pm on November 1, prompting the declaration of a “major incident” status in the region from midnight onwards. Hundreds of schools in Southampton, the Isle of Wight, and across Devon and Cornwall were forced to close due to the severe weather conditions. Similarly, all schools on the island of Jersey were closed to ensure the safety of residents.
France also bore the brunt of Storm Ciaran’s wrath, with the coastal tip of Pointe du Raz in Brittany recording record-breaking gusts of up to 128mph. The town of Plougovelin experienced wind speeds of up to 119mph. Tragically, at least one person lost their life in France due to the storm, underscoring its destructive power.
Across the UK, the storm triggered significant travel disruption. Condor Ferries canceled its freight and passenger routes between the Channel Islands and the UK due to the high winds, and DFDS and P&O Ferries also suspended their services. The Met Office issued amber weather warnings for the South West and the south coast of England on November 2, covering extensive areas of the UK.
The impact of Storm Ciaran on the Channel Islands and the UK is a stark reminder of the destructive force that severe weather events can unleash. It emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions during such occurrences to safeguard lives and property, underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury.
Resources:
3.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-jersey-67297932