
Emergency services and rescue organisations are on standby as the Island prepares for a fierce battering from the weather later today.
A severe weather warning was issued yesterday, with exposed southern and western areas bearing the brunt of gale force winds last night.
But worse conditions are predicted to hit the island between 12 noon and 4pm on Thursday.
The Met Office says structural damage is likely and driving conditions could be hazardous.
An emergency planning summit was held last night to coordinate action by the police, fire, and ambulance services, Civil Defence, coastguards and the Department of Infrastructure.
They were briefed by senior Met Office forecaster Adrian Cowin:
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