Island tries to dry out after widespread flooding

The Island is drying out this morning after some of the worst flooding in recent times.

Roads around the Island were awash last night as people started to make their way home after work, with water flooding off saturated fields and hills and cascading on to roads.

Drains were unable to cope with the combination of huge amounts of water and leaves coming down from trees and both main roads and smaller roads across the Island were badly affected.

The Met Office says 42 millimetres fell at Ronaldsway - over an inch and a half - whereas the Point of Ayre had just 27 millimetres - just over an inch. Heaviest rainfall was at Cringle plantation where 59 millimetres was recorded, over two inches.

Adrian Cowin says amounts weren't exceptional, it was just a usual "very wet Autumn day". The problems were caused by a combination of the very wet summer and falling leaves

Figures indicate that the South of the Island was worst hit. Houses were flooded in Ballabeg and in Colby at Ballacry, Glen Road and Station Park where river had burst its banks by the chapel. The local Spar shop and Colby Glen pub were flooded.

Manager Linda Rushden says part of the reason for the water coming in was motorists driving far too quickly

Rushen MHK Phil Gawne who was in Colby as the flooding was at its worst said it was a wake up call for everyone to be more aware of climate change and take this into account when planning housing and associated infrastructure . .

Roads across the Island were closed last night due to flooding and several remain closed this morning.

Details can be found on the Manx Radio and Police Facebook pages and the police Twitter feed.