Ronaldsway Met Office has defended a decision not to issue an amber weather warning earlier.

Two yellow ’be aware’ weather warnings were issued yesterday - for heavy rain overnight and coastal overtopping.

The warning was upgraded to amber earlier this morning, warning people to be prepared for higher risk of disruption and significant damage.

Met Office forecaster Gary Salisbury said: ’For most of the island, rainfall amounts overnight were in line with the warning issued yesterday ie 20mm here at Ronaldsway, 36mm at Druidale.

’However, as the small low centre passed overnight, there was clearly some sort of localised embedded downpour, giving a huge amount of rain over a small area.

’Remote gauges at Corrany and Mountain Box recorded around 100mm of rain from yesterday afternoon though to this afternoon.

’Earlier this morning, when it was apparent what was happening, the yellow warning was upgraded to amber.

’With regard to the strong to gale force NE winds and coastal overtopping; that was as forecast and in line with the warning issued yesterday.’