Red weather warning for violent storm force winds

A rare red weather warning for "violent storm force winds" has been issued for the peak of Storm Éowyn on the Isle of Man on Friday, which will result in widespread disruption.

Ronaldsway Met Office said gusts of up to 85mph (137km/h) were set to hit the island between 07:00 and 14:00 GMT, representing a risk to life from flying debris.

The government said all schools would remain closed on Friday, no buses would run between 07:00 and 14:00, and the A18 Mountain Road would close from 05:00.

All of Friday's ferry sailings between the island and Lancashire have been cancelled and the island's airport will be closed until at least 16:00.

All of the island's plantations and glens will be closed from 22:00 on Thursday until 18:00 on Saturday, which the government said would allow for some assessment after the storm.

And government public counters will be closed throughout the day.

A red weather warning is the strongest that can be issued and means "extreme conditions are likely", with interruption to power and communication as well as a risk to life.

Forecasters said an amber weather warning would remain in place either side of the peak of the storm for severe gale force winds, with exposed coastal areas and higher ground most at risk through out the period.

People have been urged to prepare ahead of the conditions by securing outdoor items such as play equipment, garden furniture, scaffolding, temporary fencing, bins and storage boxes.

The Isle of Man Post Office has warned of delays to outbound and inbound mail, and no collections or deliveries will take place on Friday, while customer counters at postal headquarters, the Northern Delivery Office and vehicle licensing will be closed.

The Manx Museum and House of Manannan will be closed all day, as will Lloyds Bank and Isle of Man Bank branches.

A yellow weather warning for coastal overtopping has also been put in place between 05:30 and 09:00 on Friday.

Areas most at risk were Shore Road in Rushen, Castletown Promenade, the northern and central parts of Douglas Promenade, with promenades in Laxey and Ramsey to a lesser extent, forecasters said.

Sandbags have been made available at the island's civic amenity sites for properties in areas set to be hit by coastal overtopping.

Port St Mary RNLI has urged people to take care if walking near cliffs, keep dogs on leads and indoors where possible, ensure phones are fully charge and "don't risk your life for the sake of a photo opportunity".

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