Storm Eleanor causes Isle of Man ferry cancellations

Winds of up to 70mph are forcecast as Storm Eleanor hits the British Isles

Ferry sailings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire have been cancelled as Storm Eleanor hits the British Isles.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said Tuesday's 19:45 GMT Douglas to Heysham service, and the return on Wednesday, have been cancelled.

The Manx Met Office, which has issued a yellow weather warning, said wind speeds could reach 70 mph (112 km/h).

Storm Eleanor, which may also cause flooding, is the fifth named storm to hit the British Isles this winter.

Other sailings which could be affected, according to ferry operators, include Wednesday's 08:45 GMT Douglas to Heysham sailing along with the return at 14:15.

The UK Met Office warning is in place from 18:00 GMT on Tuesday until 18:00 on Wednesday

The UK Met Office warning - which lasts until 08:00 on Wednesday - said some western coastal communities could be affected by large waves and spray.

Isle of Man police said Tuesday's high tide at 23:40 could bring "moderate flooding" in coastal areas including Back Hope Street in Castletown, The Tongue in Douglas, and West Quay, Ramsey.