Islanders living in some coastal areas are being warned to prepare for possible flooding early in the new year.

Infrastructure bosses say a combination of high tides and strong winds could cause disruption to those living in exposed coastal locations.

High tides are forecast for three successive days in January, 22-24, and those living in seafront areas are being urged to remain vigilant.

During the first two months of 2014 several places including Douglas, Castletown, Ramsey, Laxey, Peel and Gansey suffered tidal flooding.

Infrastructure minister Phil Gawne says his department will be deploying about 20,000 sandbags to mitigate the risk of flooding.

Sandbags will also be available free of charge from local civic amenity sites.