Severe gales and heavy rain expected
The Isle of Man is bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Bert, with severe gales and heavy rain on the way.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for Saturday (23 November) with Ronaldsway Met Office saying a deep Atlantic low will produce a period of gale or severe gale southeast winds later tonight and at first tomorrow.
Gusts of 50-60mph will occur in most areas, with 60-70mph possible in a few places.
Some damage to trees and minor structural damage is possible.
Forecaster Kirsty Pendlebury explains:
Meanwhile, persistent and heavy rain will arrive about 3am or 4am, lasting through the morning until easing in the afternoon.
The yellow weather warning will come into place at 5am tomorrow morning and be in place until 3pm.
TRAVEL
A number of Steam Packet sailings have been altered already today.
Tonight's Manxman sailing to Heysham has been brought forward - the 7:45pm crossing will now depart Douglas at 7pm, with passengers asked to check in no later than 6:15pm.
Meanwhile the overnight return, scheduled for 2:15am, will now depart at 0:45am. Passengers are asked to check in no later than 0:05am.
All sailings from now through until Monday are in doubt due to the forecast.
The Steam Packet has a dedicated Storm Bert page HERE.
The Isle of Man Airport has the following notice for travellers:
Meanwhile, Loganair is offering those due to fly with the airline the opportunity to adjust their travel plans without charge.
The airline says it is planning on flying all scheduled services, and nothing is cancelled yet, but you can choose to re-book on an alternative flight up to seven days from your original travel date.
ROADS
The Department of Infrastructure says its control room will also be open in support of its duty officer in order to better respond to calls for assistance from the public.
It's asking people to report any issues on the roads that need an immediate response by calling 672000.
The Mountain Road has now reopened (3:30pm) however police are advising motorists to take care with weather conditions predicted to deteriorate later tonight.
FORESTS AND GLENS
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is advising people planning on using the Island's forests and glens this weekend to exercise caution.
It says damage to trees could be as minor as a broken branch or as severe as them being uprooted.
DEFA says its team will be carrying out routine inspections in the following days to check that the Island's most popular routes are unaffected.
In the meantime, people are asked to take extra care and beware of trees which may have incurred some damage during the winds.
Anyone who sees any damage to trees is asked to report it to the DEFA Hills, Forests and Glens Team through Facebook or by emailing forestry@gov.im
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