Island warned to brace as Storm Isha to bring 'severe gales' and coastal overtopping

Two weather warnings have been issued by Ronaldsway

Two weather warnings have been issued by Ronaldsway Met Office as Storm Isha moves towards the Island.

YELLOW

There'll be a yellow weather warning in place for severe gales this afternoon (Sunday 21 January).

Storm Isha is due to affect the island later on, before clearing overnight, with strong to gale force south to southwest winds increasing to severe gale force during the afternoon and continuing through the evening, before veering west and starting to decrease overnight. 

Ronaldsway Met Office says we can expect gusts of 55-65mph across the island, possibly up to 70mph in more exposed locations, leading to some damage and disruption to travel.

They've also warned that outbreaks of rain this morning will turn persistent and heavy at times during the afternoon and evening, with 10-15mm of rain expected, with a risk of 20-30mm over the hills. 

This will likely lead to difficult driving conditions, with areas of standing water along the roads, as well as a risk of localised flooding.

The yellow weather warning is in place from 12 noon today until 3am tomorrow.

AMBER

An amber weather warning has also been issued by the Met Office for coastal overtopping.

This comes into force at 6:30pm tonight and is in place until 10:30pm.

The experts say severe gale force south to southwest winds 'will create large waves, leading to coastal overtopping around the time of high tide this evening (8:20pm), with moderate overtopping of waves and a risk of significant debris around some exposed coastal roads and promenades'.

The areas most at risk are: Shore Road (Rushen), Castletown Promenade, the northern end of Douglas Promenade, and to a lesser extent Laxey & Ramsey Promenades.