Storm Darragh Causes Extensive Disruption Across Isle of Man

Storm Darragh’s powerful winds led to extensive travel disruptions, resulting in the suspension of all flights, ferry services, and bus routes. An amber weather warning was issued for the Isle of Man, forecasting gusts reaching up to 80mph (129km/h) until midnight, with the southern and south-western coastal areas identified as particularly vulnerable. The public received advice to undertake essential journeys by car only, as the infrastructure department managed over 50 fallen trees, some of which severed power lines. Bus Vannin halted its services due to safety concerns, and the Isle of Man Airport ceased operations for the day, leading to the cancellation of all flights. The Isle of Man Steam Packet had previously verified that voyages of its flagship vessel, Manxman, operating between Douglas and Liverpool, would not proceed. Following multiple assessments of the conditions throughout the day, Bus Vannin stated that the suspension of all services constituted a “difficult decision” that had “been made for the right reasons” to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers. The strong winds also led to interruptions in electricity provision, with Manx Utilities (MU) addressing multiple problems. The affected locations included the Santon and St Marks area, Dreemskerry Hill in Maughold, south Cape in Laxey, Ballawhetstone in Ballabeg, the Abbeylands area in Onchan, and Trollaby Lane and its surrounding areas in Union Mills. MU announced that vulnerable individuals would receive priority for power reconnection, implying that certain other residences might experience power outages until Sunday. The A18 Mountain Road stayed accessible throughout the day for all vehicles except those that were high-sided, but it was closed overnight starting at 17:30 GMT. The Department of Infrastructure indicated that, given the large number of fallen trees, its primary objective was to clear arterial routes initially, which might result in other roads “not cleared as quickly,” with some remaining closed overnight. Roads that were either blocked or partially impeded by fallen trees encompassed Johnny Watterson’s Lane, Harcroft Meadow, and Pevril Road in Douglas, the vicinity of Fairy Bridge, the entry to the Snugborough trading estate in Union Mills, a section of the Ballamodha Straight, The Hope in St John’s, and the thoroughfare connecting Poortown Road and Tynwald Mills. Additionally, Colby Glen Road, Castletown Road in Port St Mary, the Peel to Kirk Michael Cost Road, the route between Crosby and the Braaid Crossroads, New Road in Laxey, and the Patrick Road were also impassable. The department stated that the tree on the Patrick Road could not be cleared on Saturday, signifying that that particular section of the carriageway would stay closed overnight. The Isle of Man Constabulary reported receiving initial accounts of roof damage near the Brown Bobby in Douglas, as well as a shed being propelled into a vehicle on Harbour Road in Onchan. A yellow weather warning for coastal overtopping during high tide was also active until 17:00, following a heavy rain warning that concluded at 12:00. The Ronaldsway Met Office indicated that these conditions presented a risk of standing water on roadways and localized flooding “in prone areas.” Numerous community and sporting events throughout the island were cancelled because of the prevailing conditions, including all Isle of Man Football Association fixtures. Furthermore, the Curraghs Wildlife Park, Manx Museum, and House of Manannan stayed shut for the entire day. While the initial leg of the Isle of Man Young Farmers Christmas Tractor Run proceeded on Friday, the second scheduled event for Saturday was rescheduled to Sunday due to the storm.