Storm Ciarán – an exceptionally severe windstorm in the Channel Islands

Abstract

Storm Ciarán was an extremely damaging windstorm which affected southern Britain, the Channel Islands and northern France on 1/2 November 2023. Storm force winds with gusts in excess of 90mph (81kn) widely affected Jersey, along with a severe thunderstorm bringing heavy precipitation, large hail and a severe tornado. Due the development of the storm, warnings were issued well in advance giving the island time to prepare. In many ways, Storm Ciarán was comparable to the Great Storm of 1987, both of which left severe damage across Jersey including widespread damage to homes and infrastructure across the island.