Storm Darragh: severe gales bring trees down Island-wide

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS BEING REGULARLY UPDATED

A number of trees and power lines have come down as Storm Darragh hits the Island. 

An amber warning is now in place for severe gales and storm force winds until midnight tonight (Saturday, 7 December).

The latest update (10:30am) reads as follows: 'The severe gale force north or northwest winds will continue for the rest of the morning and afternoon.

'While not as frequent as earlier this morning gusts are still likely of 60-70mph and possibly 70-80mph in a few places (most likely in southwest), and these strengths could still lead to further fallen branches/trees, structural damage and flying debris.

'This evening winds will begin to slowly abate, with a further steady decrease tonight, falling below gale force in most places.'

"The wind increase we saw here at the airport was just incredible."

Senior Met Officer Kirsty Pendlebury has been speaking to Manx Radio:

The Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities are currently dealing with more than fifty fallen trees and downed power lines.

Motorists are strongly advised against driving unless your journey is essential and Bus Vannin has suspended all services until a review at 8am.

The latest update from police at 8:40am is as follows: 

"We continue to take multiple calls about trees, roof slates and other debris blocking roads around the island.

"A full, up to date list will be published shortly.

"Of note, please be aware the Coast Road is currently impassable between Ramsey and Laxey.

"Please adhere to the Government advice in regards to travel around the Island."

Roads

The Isle of Man Constabulary has shared the following update on the state of the roads (as of 6:25am):

- Tree blocking road Main Road, Glen Mona, Ramsey. DOI aware.

- The A18 Mountain Road will be closed overnight from 5.30pm this evening

- All remaining Bus Vannin services have now been cancelled, it's planned they will resume tomorrow (8 December)

- Tree down resting on power lines in the vicinity of Hope Terrace, St Johns. The main Foxdale Road is closed from The Hope Junction and Foxdale.

- Reports of a roof that has come off and in the road on Peel Road, Douglas, in the vicinity of Brown Bobby. Police on route.

- Officers reporting Harris fencing and debris causing potential danger on Snaefell Road, Willaston.

Junction of Snaefell road with Kepple Road, junction of Snaefell Road with Connister Road and Snaefell Road with Barrule Road, Douglas, are closed. Police on scene at 0555hrs trying to corden off area.

- Johnny Wattersons Road - Tree completely blocking the road. DOI are on route. Police on scene and road closed from junction with Ballanard Road.

- Branches and debris all over the road in the vicinity of the Fairy Bridge. DOI aware. Road passable with care currently.

- Tree down Hope St Johns. Road blocked. DOI aware.

- Tree blocking the entire entrance to Snugborough trading estate. Police on scene.

- Tree down Harcroft Meadow, Douglas. Multi agency response.

- Reports of large Tree down Peel to Kirk Michael Coast Road (in vicinity of Switchback).

- Tree blocking the road on Ballamodha straight just above Phildrawn Road Junction. Road blocked.

- Tree down between Tynwald Mills and Poortown Road. Road blocked.

- Tree down Castletown Road, Port St Mary. Road passable with care.

- Tree down Pevril Road, Willaston. Fire service on scene.

- Harbour Road, Onchan - Shed has blown into a vehicle. Police on route to assess.

- Tree down between Crosby and Braaid cross roads. DOI aware.

- Tree down in the vicinity of EVF petrol Station, Laxey. Road passable with care.

- The entire Patrick Road is closed due to a tree. DOI cannot clear this tonight so the road will remain closed.

Power

Manx Utilities engineers are currently attending the following sites:

-Dreemskerry Hill, Maughold

-Ballawetstone

-Abbeylands area

-Trollaby Lane & adjacent areas

-South Cape, Laxey

-Santon & St Marks area