Public told to avoid glens as gales cancel trams and threaten flights

People are being told to stay out of the island’s glens this weekend, as an amber warning for severe gales leads to tram cancellations and warnings of possible disruption at Ronaldsway.

Gusts could reach 70mph, with two named storms expected to bring severe gales and heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, according to 3FM. The station also reported that Ronaldsway Met Office has issued a second weather warning for the weekend, an amber overtopping warning.

According to 3FM, Storm Austen was expected to hit the south of the UK on Friday, while Storm Boelo is forecast to bring wind and rain further north over the weekend.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said the gusts could bring down damaged trees, 3FM reported. The department urged people to take extra care and to watch for falling trees and branches. It asked anyone who notices problems in glens or plantations to report them.

The weather has already claimed one outdoor event. A night orienteering event organised by the Isle of Man Orienteering Klubb at South Barrule Forest on Friday 23 October has been cancelled, Energy FM reported.

Isle of Man Railways said the amber warning had left it with no choice but to cancel some services, according to 3FM. Neither the Snaefell Mountain Railway nor the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will run on Saturday 24 October.

The operator still intends to run the Steam Railway and the Manx Electric Railway on Saturday, but said a final decision would be taken that morning.

Ronaldsway Airport has warned on its website that the winds could cause some disruption to flights over the weekend, 3FM reported. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information and to allow extra time for journeys to and from the airport.

Douglas City Council has asked residents to tie down or move inside garden furniture, trampolines, bins, plant pots and other loose items before conditions worsen, 3FM reported. The council said tenants in its housing should let it know promptly about any damage, leaks or debris caused by the storms.

In the south, Port Erin Beach Huts has appealed for volunteers to help dismantle two of its huts before the storms arrive, 3FM reported. The business had planned to take down four huts the previous weekend, but that did not go ahead.

The owner said she feared the two huts could be lost on Saturday night, when high tides and strong winds are expected at around 23:00. She asked for help from 13:30 on Friday, with offers invited by direct message on Facebook.