The Department of Infrastructure is advising Isle of Man residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding in coastal and harbour areas next year.
High tides in January, February, September and October 2015 could cause disruption, particularly if combined with strong winds and low atmospheric pressure.
While more accurate weather forecasts can only be issued 36-72 hours in advance, people in exposed coastal locations are being encouraged to think ahead and consider putting contingency measures in place.
Tides are predicted to be higher than normal on 22, 23 and 24 January, 20 and 21 February, 27, 28, 29 and 30 September, and 1, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 October. This could potentially have an impact on harbour and seafront areas in Douglas, Castletown, Ramsey, Laxey and Port St Mary.
The Department of Infrastructure will deploy sandbags and other flood prevention measures to protect homes and businesses in the event of severe weather. Staff will also work in partnership with Local Authorities, the Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, Civil Defence, Coastguards and Manx Utilities to try to mitigate any potential damage.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The high tides on their own should not cause too many problems. There’s a distinct possibility they will pass virtually unnoticed and I hope that turns out to be the case. However, if conditions conspire against us and the high tides are accompanied by gales and low pressure we may experience a storm surge resulting in harbour flooding and coastal overtopping. I’ve been told there’s a 30% chance of this happening in January, so we are advising people to remain vigilant, listen to the weather forecasts and be prepared.’
He added: ‘We have 20,000 sandbags filled and ready to go, along with larger one-tonne bags and other specialist flood defences. The Department will always do whatever it can to provide assistance, but people also need to help themselves, take steps to protect their properties, check they have appropriate insurance cover in place and support elderly or vulnerable members of the community wherever possible. Sandbags can be collected free of charge from civic amenity sites around the Isle of Man. Hopefully we won’t witness any major issues on the days in question, but it makes sense to be prepared.’
The Isle of Man experienced tidal flooding in January and February this year, with the associated storm surge leading to large waves breaking over sea defences, promenades and inner harbour walls in Douglas, Castletown, Ramsey, Laxey, Peel and Gansey. The accuracy of forecasts from the Isle of Man Met Office enabled detailed flood maps to be produced and resources to be focused on key locations.
Minister Gawne said: ‘Climate change is making weather events of this nature a more frequent part of our lives. The Department of Infrastructure will always respond to the best of its ability when the Isle of Man is hit by storms, flooding or snow. However, deploying staff round the clock, purchasing specialist equipment and stockpiling materials such as sand and grit is an expensive business. Our challenging budget means our resources must be carefully targeted and that we must ask people to help themselves where they can.’
Photo - Courtesy of Ron Strathdee.
