Police have declared a major incident in Laxey.

Residents have been trapped in at least three houses and several vehicles have been washed away.

Glen Road between the upper and lower bridges has flooded severely.

Fire Rescue and the Coastguard are at the scene with fast water rescue teams.

A police spokesman said: ’A major incident has been declared with all government agencies helping out. We are asking that any persons trapped go upstairs and monitor media.'The assessment at this time is that residents on Glen Road are safer in their premises rather than trying to leave.'We are making efforts to speak to them all but if you want to check on residents in that area by phone please do so.'Rescue teams are going from house to house in hazardous conditions. They have checked one group of elderly residents are safe.The Coastguard has a boat in Laxey checking the lower areas of Glen Road.A helipcopter is on scene at Laxey football pitch. Laxey and Dhoon schools are closed.

Power supplies have been disrupted in Glen Road for safety reasons.

Several roads are shut due to flooding and police are advising that any travel is kept to a minimum.

In Douglas, businesses on Peel Road have been advised to activate their flood defences.

There have been reports of debris coming off some buildings on North Shore Road, Ramsey.Education Minister Graham Cregeen said Laxey School and Dhoon School will remain closed all day.He said: ‘Closing schools is never a decision we take lightly, because of the effect on pupils’ education and the impact on the wider economy, with parents having to take time off work.’‘However, safety of pupils and staff travelling to and from school is always of paramount importance to us when we make decisions.‘The situation is being monitored closely.’