Public Advised to Avoid Woodlands Following Storm Darragh Damage

The public has received a warning to keep away from wooded regions as authorities evaluate the stability of trees toppled by Storm Darragh. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) reported that powerful winds inflicted “extensive damage” upon the Isle of Man’s glens and plantations. The island experienced significant rainfall on Friday, succeeded by wind gusts of 82mph (132km/h) on Saturday, which left numerous trees in precarious states. DEFA indicated that a comprehensive evaluation of the damage would require “several days to complete” given its “severity and scale.” The department also cautioned that “significant hazards” such as fallen trees, unstable terrain, and obstructed pathways are present even in locations that “may appear unaffected.” Initial inspections have led to the closure of glens situated in Lower Dhoon, Colby, Lower Silverdale, Bishopscourt, and Molly Quirk’s in Onchan. Although limited entry is permitted at Ballaglass and Upper Silverdale, visitors have been instructed to “proceed with caution,” with DEFA announcing an additional update regarding the situation scheduled for Wednesday. Furthermore, DEFA has advised tree and landowners to “check the state of their trees for signs of damage, cracks, snap-outs and movement at the root-base.” Should a tree be deemed hazardous, individuals are directed to contact the department’s forestry team to ascertain whether any necessary remedial work on the tree necessitates a licence.