Rolling Storm Updates

Rolling updates of the latest goings on for today’s stormy weather.

Don’t Travel

The gov is advising islanders not to travel between 8pm and midnight as Storm Isha strengthens from gale to storm force with gusts of up to 80mph expected.

An amber weather warning is in place, meaning there is likely to be travel disruption, damage to property and the risk of injury.

Severe gale force south to southwest winds will create large waves, leading to coastal overtopping at high tide around 8.20pm.  This will see moderate overtopping of waves and a risk of significant debris around some exposed coastal roads and promenades. Areas affected include Shore Road (Rushen), Castletown Promenade, the northern end of Douglas Promenade, and to a lesser extent Laxey and Ramsey promenades.

Anyone who needs to report a risk to public safety should dial 999.

To report non-emergency road issues, Highway Services can be contacted on 672000.

Heavy rain is also expected for short periods, meaning a slight risk of localised flooding.

Roads

At this time, the current road(s) are at least partially blocked:

Port Jack is closed from Derby Castle to Port Jack Chippy.

– 2004hrs – Tree down at the Black Dub. Reported that the road is completely blocked.

– 1948hrs – Area of Brown Bobby- This is due to loose metal sheeting at Brown Bobby, Peel Road, Douglas, which cannot currently be made safe. Fire and Police dealing (now open).

– 1946hrs – Tree down Old Castletown Road. Road completely blocked. Police on scene.

– 1848hrs – Tree down Clay Head Road, Baldrine. Road partially blocked.

– 1847hrs – Fallen debris Parliment Street, Ramsey. Police currently assessing.

– 1844hrs – Tree down main road Glen Maye. Road reported as partially blocked.

– 1843hrs – Tree down Cranstel Road, Bride.

– 1834hrs – Tree down Laurel bank. Road is blocked.

– 1828hrs – Tree down Ballig Bridge. Road partially blocked.

– 1820hrs – Tree down Bowring Road, Ramsey. Road partially blocked. Police assessing this now (ROAD IS PASSABLE).

– Ramsey side of The Garey, Ramsey (road partially blocked)

– A18 Mountain Road now closed as of 1540hrs due to high winds.

Buses

Strang Road is closed again due to another fallen tree blocking the road. Buses will divert via Snugborough in both directions until further notice.

Derby Castle to Port Jack closed due to coastal overtopping.

Buses will divert via Summerhill & Strathallan Road on route to Port Jack in both directions until further notice.

Brown Bobby Filling Station area Lord Street to Belmont Hill Peel Road is now closed.

Buses will divert via Prospect Hill, Prospect Terrace, Quarterbridge Road, Alexandra Drive, Quarterbridge roundabout & then normal routes in both directions until further notice.

This road closure is likely to be in place until tomorrow (Monday) morning and we will expect delays around peak times.

Fire Service

The roof of a kiosk on Loch promenade, Douglas (opposite Tower house) has come off in the wind, crews have secured the debris as best we can and cordoned off the area.

Fire crews (Green Watch) are in attendance at the Brown Bobby petrol station on Peel road, Douglas.

The corrugated roof is delaminating in the wind.

Kirk Michael crews have just responded to a barn roof damaged by the storm. It was too hazardous for crews to make safe due the conditions, additionally some of the materials also contained Asbestos Crews cordoned off the area and gave advice to the owners.

Wires

Manx Utilities: ‘We have teams out across the Island ready to make repairs wherever they are needed. But if you come across any trees on Overhead Lines or damaged poles please contact us on 687687 and stay clear of them. We will be there as soon as we can.’

Travel

Manxman has headed out to sea to seek shelter and flights in and out of Ronaldsway are facing disruption as the island is hit by strong winds and rain.

As wind speeds are exceeding current safe limits for Douglas Harbour, Manxman has gone to shelter over near Morecambe Bay.

All of today’s sailings are cancelled and sailings up until Wednesday are at risk of possible disruption.

Check out the Manxman webcam here.

At Ronaldsway, all remaining flights are cancelled.

Warnings

There are two amber weather warnings in place.

Overtopping – 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Severe gale force south to southwest winds will create large waves, leading to coastal overtopping around the time of high tide this evening (~8:20pm), with moderate overtopping of waves and a risk of significant debris around some exposed coastal roads and promenades.

Winds – through until 2am tomorrow

The current gale to severe gale force winds will increase further this evening, especially after about 2000 hours, with a spell between about 9pm and midnight where winds reach storm force in places. During this period gusts of between 70 and 80 mph will occur from a southwest direction, this causing damage and any travel is not advised. Then between midnight and 2am hours there will be a marked drop in wind strength, with a shift to a more westerly direction.

In addition rain between now and about 8pm hours may occasionally be heavy, giving a slight risk of localised flooding.