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Gusts of up to 75mph could hit the island as a weather warning for severe gales has been issued ahead of the arrival of Storm Dave on Saturday.
The yellow warning – meaning ‘be aware’ – has been issued by the Ronaldsway Met Office and will be in place from 7pm on Saturday until 1am on Sunday.
Forecaster Stephanie Clayton said: ‘Storm Dave will bring severe gales across the island on Saturday evening, before steadily easing overnight.
‘Through Saturday afternoon, the strong southerly wind will gradually increase to gale force across the island, before veering south-west and increasing to severe gale force during the evening, with gusts widely 60 to 70mph, and a small risk of gusts up to 75mph in exposed locations.
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‘The whole of the island will be affected. However, the north may experience the gustiest conditions due to the position of the storm.
‘The wind will gradually decrease and veer westerly from around midnight, becoming a fresh to strong westerly by Sunday morning.
‘The situation will be closely monitored and this warning will be updated to reflect any changes in the forecast.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet sailings are likely to be cancelled and flights could also be affected.
Ronaldsway Met Office forecaster David Britton previously said: ‘This will cause issues and boats will almost certainly not sail during that period, while there could also be issues with flights.’
The Steam Packet has already put seven sailings at risk. They are the 8.30am Manxman sailing on Saturday from Douglas to Heysham and the return journey at 2.15pm; the Manannan sailing on Saturday from Liverpool to Douglas at 10.15am and the return journey at 5.45pm and its journey back to Liverpool at 8pm; and the 7.45pm Manxman sailing on Saturday to Heysham with the return at 2.15am on Sunday.
Saturday will start off fine before the winds begin to build with occasional bouts of rain. Highs of 11C are expected.
It will be cooler on Sunday with highs of 9C, but it will also be brighter and the winds will continue to ease. Monday should also be more settled with highs of 12C.