Ronaldsway Met Office issues rare red weather warning

Violent storm force winds with gusts of up to 85mph are predicted

Ronaldsway Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for 'violent storm force winds'.

Forecasters predict that Storm Éowyn will bring a very deep area of low pressure, expected to peak on Friday morning (24 January), with average south or southwest winds reaching up to 55 mph.

Gusts of up to 85 mph are forecast, particularly in exposed coastal areas and on higher ground, likely resulting in widespread disruption and damage.

A red warning signifies extreme conditions, with a high likelihood of widespread damage, travel disruption, power and communication outages, and even a risk to life.

The warning is in effect from 7am until 2pm.

SANDBAGS

The Department of Infrastructure says stocks of sandbags are being deployed today to the following locations for use by the public in relation to tomorrow's weather warning (Friday 24 Jan):

Ramsey

+ Market Square (Commercial Hotel)

+West Quay (Trafalgar Hotel)

+West Quay (Swingbridge)

Laxey

+Laxey Promenade

+Glen Road (DOI Depot)

Douglas

+North Quay (Barbary Coast)

+North Quay (Bridge Hotel)

+Lake Road

+Strathallan Crescent

+ Tromode (Civil Defence HQ)

The Civic Amenity sites have filled bags, together with stocks of sand and self fill bags available for pick up.