Panic buying breaks out at supermarkets as Storm Ciarán is made red level storm

Panic buying has broken out on the Channel Islands, as forecasters issued a red warning with Storm Ciarán set to bring ‘violent’ weather with force 11 winds.

The third named storm of the year is bearing down on the islands, located off the north-east coast of France.

Authorities are warning residents of Jersey and Guernsey to ‘avoid outside activity’ due to the fierce weather, which is expected to reach its peak tomorrow.

Force 11 is the second-highest grade on the Beaufort Scale of wind intensity, one level below a hurricane.

Weather forecasters on the islands believe the wind will remain around force nine level – meaning a severe gale – for most of Thursday.

A warning on the Guernsey government’s official website says: ‘Based on latest forecasts, which are regularly being reviewed, severe weather is due to arrive on Wednesday 1st November with the worst of the storm predicted to hit in the early hours of Thursday 2nd November.

‘Significant disruption is expected during these times.

‘With predicted winds of up to 95mph, islanders are being advised to stay at home if possible and not travel unless essential.’

All state-run schools across the islands will be closed on Thursday, along with Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney airports.

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