There is disruption to the Christmas getaway, with ferry sailings this Sunday (22 December) cancelled due to forecast gales.

Force eight winds with gusts of 60 miles per hour are expected for the Channel Islands this weekend.  The worst of the weather is due on Sunday afternoon.

Senior Forecaster Matt Winter told is:

"With that strength of wind, it will whip of the seas.  There is potential to impact air travel as well, but air travel is less susceptible to strong winds."

Condor Ferries has cancelled Sunday's scheduled sailings between the islands and Portsmouth and St Malo because of the adverse conditions.

Affected passengers have been contacted and transferred onto other services.

Airport bosses said earlier this week that 22,000 people were expected to pass through Jersey's terminal and 12,000 through Guernsey airport over the coming days.

Though the winds will not be as strong as when Storm Darragh hit earlier this month and are not uncommon for this time of year, Matt Winter says they do have the potential to cause problems.

"Gusts up to 60mph can cause some damage and can bring the odd tree down here ad there.  There is potential for some disruption on the island, and common sense in all these scenarios - if it is very windy and you don't need to be out and about then sometimes it is best to just stay indoors."

Jersey's ice skating rink at the Weighbridge will be closed on Sunday due to the windy weather.