Batten Down The Hatches! All Friday Sailings Cancelled As Red Weather Warning Issued

All of Friday’s Manxman sailings have been cancelled and an extremely rare red weather warning has been issued due to the imminent arrival of Storm Eowyn.

Thursday evening’s 7:15pm sailing from Douglas to Heysham will depart as scheduled, but the 1:45am return journey has now been cancelled due to the forecasted adverse weather.

The rest of Friday’s sailings have also now been cancelled, including the 8am journey from Douglas to Heysham and the return sailing at 1:45pm.

Friday night’s 7:15pm sailing to Heysham has also been cancelled, with the next sailing set to go ahead after that being the 1:45am journey from Heysham to Douglas in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Ronaldsway Met Office has now issued a red weather warning for the storm, as adverse conditions are expected to impact the island from 2am on Friday until 8pm that evening.

Forecasters say the warning will initially come into effect as a yellow warning from 2am, but from 7am until 2pm it will be lifted to red as severe gales and storm force winds are expected to bring gusts of almost 80mph.

The warning will then downgrade after 2pm and be in force until 8pm on Friday evening.

The Isle of Man Government has already issued a warning to members of the public and businesses to prepare for the storm.

Posting on social media, it said: ‘The public and businesses are advised to prepare ahead of the storm, which has the potential to be more severe than December’s Storm Darragh.

‘Private and commercial properties as well as construction sites should be secured in good time. This includes outdoor items such as play equipment, garden furniture, scaffolding, temporary fencing, bins and storage boxes.

‘For those with properties in areas at risk of coastal overtopping, sandbags are available free of charge at the Island’s civic amenity sites.

‘The storm is likely to cause travel disruption, with delays and cancellations expected for flights and ferry sailings.

‘The situation is being closely monitored and preparations by government agencies are well advanced.

‘As more detailed weather forecasting becomes available, the risks to the public will be assessed, with additional advice and guidance provided. This will include, where appropriate, details of any expected impact on public transport, schools, travel and public services such as hospital appointments.’