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The public are advised that a period of strong winds is forecast to affect St Helena from 06:00 UTC on Saturday 29 August 2026 until 12:00 UTC on Sunday 30 August 2026.
Winds are expected to be South-Easterly, with upper winds of 28-31 knots during the warning period. Surface winds are expected to have mean speeds of 15-20 knots, with gusts of 25-32 knots widely. There is also an isolated risk of gusts reaching around 40 knots, particularly in exposed locations with moderate to heavy showers that may affect St Helena during this period.
Care should be taken when walking or hiking, particularly in exposed areas. Residents are advised to secure any loose items that could be blown away, such as wheelie bins and outdoor equipment.
Boat owners should ensure that vessels are securely tied to their moorings. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving, particularly on exposed roads and routes prone to strong crosswinds. Motorists should also remain alerts for loose debris on roads.
There is a possibility that the strong winds may continue, this will be monitored by the Emergency Planning Department and the Met Office with further updates issued as necessary.
The public are advised that a period of strong winds is forecast to affect St Helena from 06:00 UTC on Saturday 29 August 2026 until 09:00 UTC on Sunday 30 August 2026.
Winds are expected to be South-Easterly, with upper winds of 28-31 knots during the warning period. Surface winds are expected to have mean speeds of 15-20 knots, with gusts of 25-32 knots widely. There is also an isolated risk of gusts reaching around 40 knots, particularly in exposed locations with moderate to heavy showers that may affect St Helena during this period.
Care should be taken when walking or hiking, particularly in exposed areas. Residents are advised to secure any loose items that could be blown away, such as wheelie bins and outdoor equipment.
Boat owners should ensure that vessels are securely tied to their moorings. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving, particularly on exposed roads and routes prone to strong crosswinds. Motorists should also remain alerts for loose debris on roads.
There is a possibility that the strong winds may continue, this will be monitored by the Emergency Planning Department and the Met Office with further updates issued as necessary.
The Tennis Court at Ladder Hill will be closed to the public from 1 September 2026 to 18 October 2026 to allow restoration works to take place.
The works will focus on enhancing the tennis court to improve the condition and safety of the facility.
We thank you for your continued cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period.
The public are reminded that the New Prison development site at Bottom Woods is inaccessible and should not be entered, as it remains an active construction site with restricted access for safety reasons.
We are aware that some members of the public have been visiting the area, including by motorbike. We kindly ask everyone to avoid the new access road and main site, regardless of the mode of transport. The area presents several hazards, including uneven ground, construction machinery, and ongoing site activities. Unauthorised access could also cause ecological harm and damage to the excavated area, potentially increasing project costs and extending the construction timeline.
The contractor has installed barriers and signage, and the Royal Saint Helena Police will be carrying out periodic out-of-hours monitoring of the site.
The public are thanked for their cooperation during this time.
The public are advised that strong winds are forecast to affect St Helena from 12:00 UTC on Saturday 22nd August 2026.
Winds are expected to be SE, with mean speeds of 10–20 KT, gusting 20–30 KT widely, with an isolated risk of 40 KT gusts in prone locations throughout the period. There is an increased risk of 40–45 KT gusts (gale force winds) from around 18:00 UTC, when the upper winds are expected to be at their strongest.
The highest risk period is expected between
18:00 UTC on Saturday and 06:00 UTC on Sunday, when the strongest winds are forecast. Winds will gradually begin to ease between 06:00 UTC and 09:00 UTC on Sunday 23rd August.
Care should be taken when walking or hiking, particularly in exposed areas. Residents are advised to secure any loose items that could be blown away, such as wheelie bins and outdoor equipment. Boat owners should ensure vessels are securely tied to their moorings.
Motorists are advised to take caution when driving, particularly on exposed roads and routes prone to strong crosswinds, and to remain alert for loose debris on roads.
The Emergency Planning Department and Met Office will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary.
The Forestry Section of Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), working in collaboration with the Properties Section of the Economic Development Portfolio, advises the public that tree topping works will commence at Castle Gardens on Monday, 24 August 2026, and are provisionally scheduled to conclude on Friday, 28 August 2026. Works will take place daily between 09:00 and 15:00.
The works will focus on the tree nearest the Public Library. To facilitate the use of the SHG crane, the area from the main entrance to the work site will be closed to the public during working hours. Castle Gardens main entrance will, however, be open between 12:00 to 13:00 each day for both vehicular and pedestrian access.
Outside of this time, entry to residential properties and businesses will be via the terrace. Notices will be displayed at the Castle Gardens entrance to advise the public of access arrangements.
Emergency Services will retain access throughout the duration of the works.
For safety reasons, the pond and fountain area will be closed to the public. To protect the fish from falling debris, the pond will be screened and covered during the works.
In collaboration with business owners, NGOs, and SHG, additional machinery will be used to expedite the works. A woodchipper will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, and provisionally Thursday (pending completion of court proceedings) from 13:00 to 15:00, and on Friday from 09:00 to 10:00 and again from 14:00 to 15:00. The Forestry Section apologises for any inconvenience caused by noise during this period and thanks the public for their patience and cooperation.
The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP) Portfolio wishes to advise that a small consignment of Dekalb Amberlink chicks will be available for sale from September 2026.
Persons interested in purchasing chicks are required to complete an application form, which will be available from the ENRP Reception at Scotland.
The closing date for applications is 16:00 on 26 August 2026.
For further information, please contact the Livestock Services Officer, Ken Henry, on telephone 24724 or via email at ken.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh.
SHG
17 August 2026
Following completion of the essential tree surgery works, the section of road from the Connect Office, along Carnarvon Court, to the Brow in Jamestown is now open to the public.
All temporary access restrictions have been lifted, and vehicles and pedestrians may use the road as normal.
The Forestry Section thanks residents and the wider public for their patience, understanding and cooperation while the works were carried out.
St Helena Government (SHG) advises the public that there is limited time remaining to receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination and to register for the influenza (flu) vaccine planned for later this year. Members of the public who are interested and have not yet received their MMR vaccination, or who wish to receive the influenza vaccine, are encouraged to take action before the relevant deadlines.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination
The MMR vaccination stock, donated by the UK Health Security Agency, will expire 30 September 2026. Notably, the first and second doses must be given at least 28 days apart. Therefore, anyone yet to receive either their first or second dose of the MMR vaccine are encouraged to attend either a routine community health clinic or enquire at the Hospital Pharmacy on Tel: 25867.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio are pleased to report that over 3,300 doses of the vaccine were administered through the MMR adult catch-up vaccination campaign since April 2026. The portfolio would like to thank those who came forward to receive their vaccines; helping to protect themselves and their communities against dangerous infections.
Register your interest for influenza vaccines
The Health and Social Care Portfolio are now able to purchase influenza (flu) vaccines on behalf of eligible members of the public who are interested in receiving one. As these vaccines come at a considerable cost to SHG, only individuals who register their interest by 20 August 2026 will be guaranteed a dose of the vaccine.
Interested persons can contact the Health Promotion team on Tel: 25949 or via email: healthpromotion@sainthelena.gov.uk
Individuals in the following categories are encouraged to register their interest:
- Over the age of 65 years
- People with an underlying medical condition
- The main carer of an older or disabled person
- Currently living with someone with lowered immunity
Online registration is also available by scanning the QR code below or by directly accessing the form at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/shflu
HM Customs & Immigration Services advises the public that due to the arrival of the delayed Airlink flight, consolidated sea freight cargo would not be issued today, Monday 10 August 2026 from Liberation House in Ruperts. The closure includes the public counter and the cash counter at Liberation House.
The closure will not affect the release of merchant cargo which will continue as normal. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 from 09:00 to 16:00.
In the event of an emergency, officers can be contacted on the following numbers:
Customs & Immigration Office, Liberation House – +290 22287
Customs matters – +290 67652
Immigration matters – +290 51442
The public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.