RONALDSWAY Met Office has issued a severe weather warning advising residents that there will be heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph.

The Met Office has issued the warning early to allow those working on development sites or with property which may be vulnerable to storm force winds to prepare before the severe weather develops.

A gale force southerly wind and a spell of heavy rain is expected tonight (Wednesday) with 10-20mm of rain expected to fall. This is likely to cause flooding in some areas.

Waves and debris are expected to break over sea walls which are exposed to the south around high tide in the early hours of tomorrow.

The wind is expected to moderate tomorrow morning but a storm force westerly wind will develop with gusts reaching up to 80mph from mid afternoon to midnight on Thursday.

Members of the public are asked to take extra care on the Island's roads.