Disruption expected amid severe gales and rain

Widespread disruption and cancellations are expected on Saturday

Heavy rain and severe gales brought by the incoming Storm Darragh are expected to bring widespread disruption across the Isle of Man.

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been put in place until 12:00 GMT on Saturday, bringing a risk of localised flooding as well as difficult driving conditions.

Strengthening gales turn to storm force winds of up to 80mph (129km/h) overnight, with an amber warning in place from 04:00 to midnight.

People have been warned to expect some structural damage significant travel disruption, with ferries cancelled and the Isle of Man Airport due to remain closed until 13:30.

Travel

The Isle of Man Steam Packet's Friday evening's crossings to Heysham and Saturday's crossings to Liverpool have been cancelled.

As a result postal services have been delayed, with special delivery services suspended due to UK disruption.

Airport passengers have been advised to expect "significant disruption" on Saturday, with travellers urged to check with their airlines before heading to the facility.

Loganair has offered passengers the chance to change their flight dates from Friday and Saturday for free, while Easyjet said it would continue to "monitor the weather" and advised travellers to "check the flight tracker".

Bus Vannin has warned of probably disruption to its services during the storm, and the police have urged anyone taking to the roads to "drive to the conditions".

Infrastructure

Sandbags have been available at the island's regional civic amenity sites, as well as at Civil Defence Isle of Man's headquarters in Tromode.

People have been urged to "fully secure" their properties, garden items and bins.

Fallen branches, trees and potential structural damage from flying debris are expected amid the strong winds, but Infrastructure Minister Michelle Heywood said teams will be on stand by to deal with issues.

Manx Utilities said its teams would also "be on hand" to ensure the "safe restoration of electricity supplies in the case of disruption".

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has advised "exercising caution" if using the forests and glens during the period.

Cancellations

Manx Care said its clinic for Covid and seasonal flu vaccination at the Western Wellbeing Centre on Saturday has been postponed but patients would be contacted and a new date arranged.

Castletown Commissioners called off Saturday's Christmas light switch-on in the town.

Organisers scrapped the annual Santa's on a Bike motorcycle ride out, which was due to take place on Saturday morning, due to safety concerns.

All of Saturday's matches have been postponed by the Isle of Man Football Association, with FC Isle of Man's home tie against Prestwich Heys AFC also due to be rescheduled.