Several coastal roads and promenades across the Isle of Man will close tonight as a RED weather warning brings a risk to life from coastal overtopping.

The Department of Infrastructure has confirmed closures will begin at 10pm on Monday, October 26, with roads expected to reopen by 1am on Tuesday, although this could be delayed if debris needs to be cleared.

The Met Office warning is in force from 10pm until 1am, with the worst conditions forecast around high tide at approximately 11.30pm.

Gale or severe gale-force south-south-westerly winds, combined with high spring tides, are expected to send significant waves and debris over coastal roads and promenades.

People are being urged to avoid affected areas during the warning period.

There is set to be significant disruption in coastal areas this evening and overnight
There is set to be significant disruption in coastal areas this evening and overnight (Media Isle of Man)

Which roads are closing?

The following roads will close from 10pm:

  • Ramsey: Mooragh Promenade and Queens Promenade.
  • Laxey: Shore Road.
  • Douglas: Central Promenade, Queens Promenade, Strathallan Crescent and King Edward Road, between Broadway and Port Jack.
  • Castletown: Castletown Promenade.
  • Rushen: Shore Road.

Meanwhile, vehicle owners are encouraged to move them ot a safe location before conditions deteriorate.

This includes the Bottleneck Car Park in the capital.

The Department of Infrastructure said the roads were expected to reopen by 1am, but closures could remain in place for longer if crews needed to remove debris.

Douglas Promenade will close for a period this evening as the red warning arrives (Media Isle of Man)

Flood defences in place

The department is also taking action to protect harbours and surrounding streets from flooding.

In Castletown, harbour access gates will be locked in the closed position.

In Ramsey, flood boards are being installed to close access between East Quay and East Street, Christian Street, West Street, Collins Lane, Trafalgar Lane and Old Post Office Lane.

Installation work was due to begin at 3pm on Monday, with the boards remaining in place overnight.

Sandbags have also been distributed for public use to help protect private property, with supplies being replenished following last weekend’s storms.

Collection points are:

  • Ramsey: East Quay/Market Square.
  • Laxey: Laxey Promenade and the Department of Infrastructure yard on Glen Road.
  • Douglas: North Quay near the Barbary Coast, Bridge Road, Lake Road, Strathallan Road and Civil Defence headquarters on Tromode Road.
  • Castletown: Castletown Promenade pump station and Hango Hill.
Sandbags previously used on Hope Street in Castletown -
Sandbags previously used on Hope Street in Castletown - (Dave Kneale/Media Isle of Man)

Island still recovering from Storm Boelo

The latest warning comes as the island continues to deal with the aftermath of Storm Boelo, which brought severe gales, heavy rain and flooding over the weekend.

The storm also caused widespread travel disruption, with multiple Steam Packet sailings cancelled and flights at Ronaldsway affected. The Manx Electric Railway closed on Sunday because of trees down on the line, while other railway and horse tram services were also disrupted.

Beach huts at Port Erin were damaged, with some swept from their positions by rough seas.

Gusts of 50mph to 60mph are expected widely, potentially reaching 65mph on higher ground and exposed coastal areas.

The red warning means extreme conditions are likely, with a risk to life, possible widespread damage and significant travel disruption. Residents are urged to stay away from exposed coastal areas during the warning period.