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Windiest and second-wettest Manx winter on record

 

This winter was the second-wettest, and the windiest on record in the Isle of Man.

The Met Office at Ronaldsway has released its figures covering December, January and February.

Although the total rainfall recorded for the three months was just less than the winter of 1965/66, the total number of days with measurable rain was a record breaker at 68, and there were only six completely dry days.

Gale and storm force winds, brought on by the 'conveyor belt' of exceptionally deep depressions, combined with exceptionally high tides, caused major flooding problems and coastal damage around New Year and early February.

The worst winter storms were on December 27 and February 12, when gusts of 74mph and 78mph respectively were recorded.

The mean wind speed for the three months was almost 1mph higher than had ever been recorded before, and the number of days when the wind reached gale force or higher - 20 - was double the long-term average.

 

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