Storm Barbara warning to Isle of Man ferry passengers

Severe gales have been predicted to hit the Isle of Man on Friday.

Ferry passengers have been asked to consider bringing forward their travel plans to and from the Isle of Man in order to avoid the looming bad weather.

The full effect of Storm Barbara is expected to be felt on Friday and Saturday, with the Manx Met Office forecasting gusts of up to 65mph.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said the forecasts indicate a "high probability of severe gales" which have the potential to disrupt sailings.

The Douglas-Heysham route could be hit.

'Severe gales'

A spokesman for Manx Met Office said a period of very windy and wet weather is expected across the British Isles from Friday.

He added that winds could reach severe gale force at times.

The Steam Packet Company added that passengers booked on sailings on Friday or Saturday should consider transferring to an earlier service, but warned that these are all "currently very busy".

Passengers booked on sailings which may be disrupted are asked to contact the Steam Packet's call centre.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: "After such a long run of benign weather it is frustrating that, at such an important time for our customers, our services are likely to be affected by a severe storm moving in from the Atlantic."