Ferries axed and delayed as severe gales hit island

Severe gales brought by Storm Chandra have disrupted ferry sailings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire.

The Manxman's 08:00 GMT sailing to Heysham was delayed by an hour, with the day's later sailings cancelled.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said the Douglas-bound return at 13:45 and the evening's 19:45 crossing to Lancashire – along with all of Tuesday's scheduled sailings – had been called off.

Ronaldsway Met Office said winds would strengthen through the day to severe gales, with gusts of up to 60mph (97km/h) overnight. A yellow weather warning has been put in place from 03:00 to midday on Tuesday.

Forecasters also warned of heavy rain creating a risk of flooding on some roads, with the possibility of wintry showers on the hills overnight.

The latest sailing cancellations follow disruption to several of the weekend's planned crossings between the island and Liverpool and Heysham due to choppy conditions in the Irish Sea.

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