Residents have been told to stay safe and not put themselves at risk as the island prepares for heavy rain and wind.

The Department of Infrastructure, Emergency Planning Unit, Fire & Rescue Service, Police and local authorities have been liaising today to plan for heavy rain and localised flooding forecast overnight.

An amber weather warning is in place from 3am on Tuesday until 12pm, with a warning that it may need to be extended beyond then.

A government weather warning said: ’Spells of heavy rain, accompanied by strong to gale force southeast winds, from the early hours of Tuesday morning will cause some significant areas of standing water and difficult driving conditions through the rush hour period tomorrow morning.

’Rainfall amounts of 30 to 40mm with a risk of 60 to 70mm over the higher ground could lead to some flash floods caused by run off. The areas’ most likely to be affected are river valleys along the East and Northeast coasts.

’The rain will become patchy from tomorrow lunchtime, but still with the risk of some heavy and prolonged showers, particularly tomorrow evening and overnight into Wednesday.

’A further warning may be issued for this period if it becomes needed.’

The DoI sandbags are available from Glen Road in Laxey - a pallet load has been delivered to Laxey fire station this afternoon - and sandbags are also loaded on a wagon ready to be delivered elsewhere on the island if needed.

For assistance call DOI 850000 and Civil Defence 331673.

A DoI spokesman added: ’Please ensure that your drains are clear of obstructions and take extra care when driving to work in the morning as there may be standing water on the roads.

’The various works in Laxey have been inspected by a senior engineer today to ensure that they are left in a safe condition. Please keep safe, look out for others and don’t put yourself at risk.’