Isle of Man braces for coastal flooding as mountain road stays shut
An amber weather warning has been issued for coastal overtopping and minor flooding in parts of the Isle of Man. The alert, similar to an amber alert, runs from 11am to 3pm on Wednesday, with several key areas at risk. Meanwhile, the A18 Mountain Road remains closed after heavy snow and ice made conditions unsafe.
The Department of Infrastructure closed the A18 Mountain Road late on Tuesday due to wintry conditions. A morning assessment confirmed it was still too hazardous to reopen. Officials will check the route again at midday to decide if it can safely resume traffic.
The amber warning covers Douglas promenade, Laxey and Ramsey promenades, and the western stretch of Shore Road in Rushen. Castletown's promenade may see some impact, but the harbour itself should stay dry if flood defences are in place.
A separate yellow warning highlights minor flooding risks for low-lying properties in Ramsey and Douglas. The alert focuses on inner harbour areas where water levels could rise.
The A18 Mountain Road closure disrupts travel along a critical section of the TT Mountain Course. Residents and businesses near the affected promenades and harbours have been advised to stay alert. Flood defences in Castletown are expected to limit damage if deployed correctly.