Isle of Man ferries face cancelled due to gales

Winds from an Atlantic storm have caused hazardous conditions

Further cancellations have been announced for ferry services to and from the Isle of Man after gale force winds moved in to the Irish Sea.

The Steam Packet Company said Thursday's 19:45 GMT crossing between Douglas and Heysham had been cancelled, as had Friday's 02:15 return service.

A series of cancellations have been caused by severe weather.

The UK Met Office said "gales and freezing temperatures" were being caused by Storm Emma in the Atlantic.

The storm began over Spain and Portugal but remnants of the weather system have moved further north.

A Met Office spokesman added: "As the storm bumps into the cold air across the UK, there is a risk it will bring blizzards and freezing rain."

The British Isles have been hit by freezing conditions due to a Siberian weather front

The Isle of Man Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning due to "strong to gale force winds".

The island has also been hit by snow and ice caused by the Siberian weather system known as the Beast from the East.

However, conditions were improving, with all schools reopened on Thursday morning following widespread closures on Wednesday.

Isle of Man Transport said all bus services were currently "running as normal", while Ronaldsway Airport said flight disruption was "likely" due to snow in the UK.

Passengers are advised to contact individual airlines for further information.