Saturday’s Ben-my-Chree sailings are under threat from disruption, with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning.

A final decision on the 8.45am sailing to Heysham and 2.15pm return is due to be taken by the master of the vessel at 7am on Saturday morning.

The Ben-my-Chree is due to remain in port on Saturday night.

On Saturday evening, an amber weather warning is in place from 8.30pm through to the early hours of Sunday.

The warning says: ’The wind will veer to the south-southwest and increase Saturday afternoon, becoming strong to gale force by evening, which will create very large waves and bring significant amounts of sea water and debris onto exposed coastal roads and promenades around the time of high tide Saturday night.

’The areas most likely to be affected will be Shore Road Rushen, Castletown Promenade, the northern end of Douglas Promenade, as well as Laxey and Ramsey Promenades.

’There is also a risk of some minor inner harbour flooding (only yellow warning level) for the lowest lying areas of some of the islands harbours, with the areas at risk being the Tongue in Douglas and Mezeron Corner and West Quay in Ramsey.

’Castletown harbour is not expected to have any issues, as long as the flood defences have been deployed.’

Sandbags if required are available from the Department of Infrastructure on 850000 or Civil Defence on 331673.