Police are praising organisations for their swift response after the Island took a battering from storm force winds yesterday afternoon (Saturday) and early evening.

Three roads around the Island were closed for safety reasons, while trees, electric cables and even a set of traffic lights were blown down in various parts.

Victoria Road in Douglas was closed for two and a half hours due to flying debris from a building which damaged a number of vehicles.

Staff at the emergency services joint control room handled over 40 calls between 3pm and 6.30pm – the peak of the calls was around 4pm – and Inspector Mark Britton (pictured) is praising staff for their handling of the calls and to the emergency organisations, Department of Transport and local groups for their swift responses.

He said although the worst of the weather appears to have subsided, Met Office reports are constantly monitored to ensure contingency plans are in place to cope with such conditions.