The Isle of Man Met Office has today issued a severe weather warning to highlight the possibility of structural damage and travel disruption caused by storm force winds.
 
The worst of the conditions is predicted to hit the Island between 12 noon and 4pm tomorrow (Thursday 15th January) when gusts could reach 80mph.
 
Severe gale force winds are expected this evening, with gusts of 70mph or more. Heavy rain (10mm to 15mm) is also forecast this afternoon and evening, which may present a risk of standing water on roads. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys and drive to the conditions.
 
Winds speeds are expected to peak between 8pm and 10pm tonight, with exposed southern and western areas experiencing the main impact. The eastern coast of the Island should be more sheltered in comparison.
 
The weather will start to ease towards midnight to leave clearer skies, although winds will remain strong to gale force.
 
Thursday will start dry and bright, but the severe south-westerly gale force winds will return, increasing to storm force by late morning. The height of the storm is likely to occur between 12 noon and 4pm, with the potential for gusts of up to 80mph.
 
This could result in damage to property, disruption to air and sea travel and hazardous driving conditions, particularly for high-sided vehicles. The situation will be carefully monitored as the weather system develops.
 
Thursday’s main morning and evening commute should avoid the worst of the weather, although motorists are urged to be aware of the potential for debris on the roads. Updates will be provided in the event of any road closures, with the Mountain Road and Sloc likely to be shut from mid to late afternoon.
 
The intention is for schools to remain open as normal on Thursday, although sports and off-site activities may be restricted. Some children who travel by bus, particularly those in the south and west of the Island, may face a slightly delayed departure at the end of the school day if the weather has disrupted Public Transport operations.
 
Conditions should start to improve from late afternoon on Thursday.
 
Public safety is the primary concern during severe weather events. People are also encouraged to take steps to protect their properties and vehicles from the storms, and to assist elderly or vulnerable members of the community wherever possible.
 
The Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, Civil Defence, Coastguards, Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities Authority will work together to try to mitigate any potential issues.
 
Isle of Man Met Office weather forecasts are available at http://www.gov.im/weather/ and further updates can be obtained from the premium rate telephone services on 0900 624 3300 (recorded) and 0900 624 3200 (speak to a forecaster).
 
For general help and support with storm damage, where human life is not at risk, the public are asked to call the Department of Infrastructure’s Control Room on 850000 or 672000.