Thrillseekers “putting themselves in harm’s way”

Friday 07 February 2014

Police have warned Islanders not to take chances with high tides and wild weather with storms likely to continue for the next few days.

The Jersey driver pictured here felt the full force of the weather yesterday as waves lashed over his car on Gorey Pier, smashing the windscreen and leaving him with facial injuries. The man was taken by Ambulance to A&E and although his injuries were only minor, the emergency services are concerned that someone might get badly hurt.

States of Jersey Police Chief Inspector Lee Turner said: “We would urge people to be sensible in the current weather, as we always would, and not to put yourself in unnecessary danger. The emergency services and other partner agencies are working very hard to keep people and their property safe but the public have a part to play in that by not putting themselves in harm’s way.”

Over the last week the Island has been battered by some unusually high tides for this time of year. Jersey Coastguard’s wave recorder buoy on the South coast picked up a wave measuring just over eight metres on Wednesday afternoon.

One female honorary police officer knows all about the force of the tide - video footage of Lisa Stubbs being knocked over by a wave went "viral" on YouTube and has been seen by thousands of people. She was out directing traffic in St Clement in the storm last weekend when she was knocked off her feet by a wave and swept across the road.

Head of the Honorary Police Association Hugh Raymond said: “Please take heed when we put out warnings to avoid coasts. We ask you to keep away for your own safety.”

Jersey Met issued a new gale warning today and tonight the winds will peek between 3 and 6am with gusts up to 75mph.

Police say the high winds and heavy rain are likely to cause flooding, falling trees and flying debris.

Picture credit: Saskia Stewart