Damage and disruption as gales batter Island

Severe gales continue to batter the Island, bringing down trees and disrupting road, sea and air travel.

The fierce storms have led to the cancellation of ferries between Douglas and the UK, with the 0845 sailing to Heysham and afternoon return both called off, first thing (27 Dec).

The Steam Packet Company will announce a decision on tonight's Ben my Chree 1945 service from Douglas and overnight return, by 1500. 

Early flights to Gatwick from Isle of Man Airport were delayed, while travellers to and from Liverpool face a lengthy postponement with the 0840 inbound flight not due to arrive until 1840 with departure from Ronaldsway at 1905.

Around the Island, winds gusting up to 85 mph have left many roads strewn with debris and branches, with more damage as those winds increase throughout the day.

Motorists are urged to drive with extreme care as gusting winds are likely to push vehicles around, especially on exposed roads.

The northern, eastern and western civic amenity sites are closed all day. 

This evening's high tide (1836) could see rough seas splash-over on coastal roads and at harbours, drivers and walkers are strongly advised to avoid those areas and plan only necessary journeys.

Police and Department of Infrastructure road teams are working (0800) to clear fallen trees on the following roads:

Clenagh Road, Sulby
Mount Rule Road, Douglas
Main Road, Foxdale,
Foxdale Road, Eairy
Captains Hill, Laxey
Jurby East Road, Ramsey
Patrick Road, St Johns
Whitebridge Road, Onchan.

Looking ahead, the gales will begin to die down very gradually from mid-afternoon, easing overnight and the Met Office says winds will be much lighter by tomorrow.