The Steam Packet has said its evening sailing to Heysham and overnight return will go ahead as planned.

There had been concern earlier today that the sailings may fall foul of the weather with high winds and rain forecast for tonight.

Leaving the island, the Ben-my-Chree will depart at 7.45pm, arriving in Heysham about 11.30pm with the return sailing leaving at 2.15am, due back in Douglas at 6am tomorrow morning.

The Ronaldsway Met Office this afternoon forecast: ’Cloudy with outbreaks of rain this evening and overnight, turning heavy at times. The mainly moderate easterly wind will increase becoming strong to gale force with gusts of 40-45mph expected widely, but locally up to 50mph in more exposed spots.

’The strong winds leading to some drains being blocked by fallen leaves causing standing water and a risk of localised flooding.

’Large waves are also expected to break onto exposed coastal roads and promenades around the time of high tide tonight (1.30am) with Ramsey Promenade being the area most at risk.’

The Met Office has also issue two weather warnings for tonight, one for heavy rainfall starts at 5pm this evening through to 10am on Tuesday.

Rainfall amounts throughout the period are expected to be between 10-20mm quite widely across the island, but with 20-35mm possible over the hills.

The second is for coastal overtopping and inner harbour flooding from 11.30pm tonight until 3.30am Tuesday.

The area most at risk is the length of Ramsey Promenade, which is likely to see moderate amounts of sea water and debris being washed onshore.

There is also a risk of slight to moderate overtopping for Laxey Promenade, the southern end of Douglas Promenade (near the Sea Terminal), and also the western end of Peel Promenade (Weatherglass Corner).