Severe gales over Irish Sea cause Isle of Man-England ferry disruption

Sailings of the Ben-my-Chree are expected to resume on Friday morning

Severe gales over the Irish Sea have led to the cancellation of evening ferry crossings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire.

The 20:30 GMT sailing of the Ben-my-Chree from Douglas to Heysham and its return have both been scrapped, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said.

Gusts of up to 60mph (95km/h) are expected to hit the island overnight.

Ronaldsway Met Office said the gales would be coupled with heavy rain, likely to cause localised flooding.

A yellow weather warning for severe gales and heavy rain has been put in place until 12:00 on Friday.

People have been warned to expect "large areas of standing water on roads and some localised flooding and falling debris from damaged trees and buildings".