Drivers of high sided vehilces are being warned to stay clear of the Mountain Road today (Thursday).

Severe gales are forecast for much of the day with gusts of 65 to 70 plus miles per hour expected, with even higher speeds possible over high ground.

The wind has also brought some trees down, one in Glen Maye earlier, and a tree on the main Casteltown Road by Anagh Coar.

The Ben my Chree didn't dock until around 7.30am and the return sailing to Heysham at 8.45am and this afternoon's 2.45pm sailing from Heysham were both cancelled.

Passengers and vehicles are being transferred to this evening's sailing at 7.45pm from Douglas and then 2.15am tomorrow (Friday) from Heysham.

These sailings will again be subject to weather conditions.

Several flights have also been cancelled this afternoon.

The winds should gradually ease this afternoon with the rain turning more showery in nature.

(Picture of Ben my Chree courtesy of Manx Scenes)