Daytime ferries cancelled as strong winds continue

Stormy winds have led to the cancellation of daytime ferry crossings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire.

Both the 08:00 GMT sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its Dougals-bound return have been called off, with later sailings also in doubt as the island is hit by near gale-force gusts.

A warning for large waves breaking over coastal roads bringing debris ashore has again been put in place stretching either side of high tide, from 11:30 to 15:30.

Ronaldsway Met Office has also issued an alert for snow from midday, with higher roads including the A18 Mountain Road expected to be affected.

That warning remains in place until 09:00 on Friday.

The latest disruption to ferry sailings follows the cancellation of the Wednesday evening crossing of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's flagship vessel and its overnight return due to choppy conditions in the Irish Sea.

The island's coastline has also been battered by waves for several days, while snowfall closed the Mountain Road for several hours on Wednesday.

Forecasters said areas that would continue to be affected on Thursday were Douglas, Laxey and Ramsey promenades, the western part of Shore Road in Rushen, and Derbyhaven, with Castletown Promenade at risk to a lesser extent.

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