Wind Warning Upgraded

The island’s yellow warning for strong winds has now been upgraded to amber, with forecasters expecting storm-force gusts as Storm Bram intensifies this afternoon.

Ronaldsway Met Office is predicting winds of 70–75mph for a few hours early this afternoon, particularly along the west coast, before easing slightly but remaining at gale force for the rest of the day.

These winds follow a night of rain, leaving ground across the island oversaturated and likely creating areas of standing water.

A number of trees are likely to come down in places, and further brief travel disruptions are likely as conditions continue to deteriorate.

The amber warning, in place from 1pm to 4pm, coincides with the separate red alert for coastal overtopping.

Around high tide, approximately 2.30pm today, south to south-southwesterly winds are expected to reach gale to severe gale force.

This is likely to result in significant coastal overtopping, with large volumes of water and debris affecting exposed locations.

Areas most at risk include Castletown promenades, Shore Road in Rushen and the northern end of Douglas Promenade. Ramsey and Laxey promenades are also expected to be impacted, though to a slightly lesser extent, within the yellow to amber range.

There is also an alert in place for possible inner harbour flooding. While conditions currently sit just below the threshold for a yellow warning, forecasters say this may change as the tide approaches and Storm Bram continues to develop.

Stay safe, and get in touch if there’s anything we should know about at hello@gef.im.