Manx ferry sailings at risk due to forecast gales

Ferry passengers have been warned of possible disruption to services from the Isle of Man to Lancashire due to forecasted severe gales brought by Storm Éowyn.

A yellow weather warning has been issued by Ronaldsway Met Office from 02:00 GMT on Friday, which will then be upgraded to amber between 08:00 and 13:00.

Forecasters are expecting winds to increase to severe gale or storm force, with gusts reaching up to 79mph (127km/h).

The Isle of Man Steam Packet said Thursday evening's 23:00 crossing from Douglas to Heysham was at risk, along with three scheduled sailings on the route on Friday.

The wind strengths could also lead to disruption to travel on the roads, with the possibility of "some structural damage with flying debris" and falling trees.

The warning would be monitored and updated if necessary "depending on the development" of the storm, forecasters said.

A yellow alert for coastal overtopping will also come into force between 05:30 and 9:00 on Friday morning with large waves predicted to break over exposed coastal locations either side of high tide just after 07:30, leaving debris in coastal areas.

The areas most at risk are Shore Road in Rushen, Castletown Promenade, the northern and central parts of Douglas Promenade, and to a lesser extent Laxey and Ramsey Promenades.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has asked people to avoid visiting the island's forests and glens until 12:00 on Monday due to the "forecast of strong winds and their potential to damage trees".

Storm damage, such as uprooted trees and damaged branches was "not always obvious and can present a significant risk to public safety", the department said.

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