Storm Kathleen prompts gales and heavy rain alert

Two weather warnings have been put in place for Saturday

Gale force winds and swirling rain brought by Storm Kathleen have prompted warnings for people to brace for possible travel disruption across the Isle of Man.

An amber weather warning is in place for coastal overtopping around high tide at 10:25 and 22:50 BST on Saturday, with Castletown Promenade, Shore Road in Gansey and Douglas Promenade expected to be worst hit.

Ronaldsway Met Office said “significant amounts of debris” were likely to be washed ashore there, with Ramsey and Laxey Promenades also in danger to a lesser extent.

The warning has been put in place from 09:30 on Saturday and 00:00 on Sunday, and is coupled with a threat of localised flooding.

A yellow weather warning is in place from 23:00 on Friday to 21:00 on Saturday for heavy and persistent rain.

'Take extra care'

Forecasters said severe gales would develop during the morning, with gusts expected to reach up to 60mph (97km/h) in places, making travel disruption “likely, with some minor damage possible”.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has advised people to exercise "caution” if planning to visit the island’s forests and glens over the weekend.

While the department said it would be carrying out inspections following the peak of the storm at 14:00, it urged people to “take extra care and beware of trees which may have incurred some damage during the winds”.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet has already warned the weekend’s ferry crossings are also subject to disruption or cancellation due to the conditions.