Storm Agnes: All daytime Manx passenger ferries cancelled

Severe gales have led to all of Wednesday's ferry crossings being cancelled

All of Wednesday's daytime passenger ferry sailings to and from the Isle of Man have been cancelled due to expected gales across the Irish Sea.

Gusts of up to 70mph (112km/h) brought about by Storm Agnes have forced the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to scrap all services.

Ronaldsway Met Office said Wednesday afternoon's gale force winds were set to reach severe gale force by evening.

An amber weather warning for coastal overtopping has also been issued.

Ronaldsway Met Office said the stormy conditions, combined with high tide shortly before 23:00 BST, could "create some large waves" and lead to "significant overtopping".

The areas expected to affected include Shore Road in Rushen, Castletown Promenade, the northern end of Douglas Promenade, and Laxey and Ramsey Promenades.

Flood defences would need to be deployed in the area of Castletown harbour and there was also a chance of minor inner harbour flooding at the Tongue in Douglas, and West Quay and Mezeron Corner in Ramsey, and flood defences need to be deployed for Castletown harbour.

The warning has been put in place between 21:00 and 01:00.

Gusts of up to 70mph (112km/h) were expected to hit the island

A yellow weather warning for severe gales remains in place until midnight, and drivers have been warned of possible disruption on the roads due to fallen trees and branches and that there was the "possibility of minor structural damage to buildings".

Wednesday's passenger ferry sailings between the island and Lancashire and Liverpool were all scrapped due to the conditions.

However, the Manxman made an early crossing to be in position to make a return trip with passengers from Heysham Port at 02:15 BST on Thursday.

The weather also led to the cancellation of the 16:30 flight to Dublin.

The strong winds also led to the Grove Museum in Ramsey and the Laxey Wheel being closed early, Manx National heritage said.

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