The has been a lull in the bad weather between Storm Dudley yesterday and Storm Eunice, which is due to hit the island tomorrow.

Last night’s Steam Packet sailings were cancelled.

Today’s are sailing but the company is warning that Friday morning’s Sailing from Douglas could be disrupted or cancelled.

The Met Office has issued an amber yellow weather warning for Friday.

It says that Friday’s strongest severe gales will be on windward coasts and high ground.

Strong winds increasing to reach severe gale to storm force for a while on Friday, mean speeds 45-50mph with gusts 60-70mph but up to 75mph in more exposed locations.

Travel disruption is expected and some falling trees and the risk of structural damage.

Also, a spell of heavy rain turning to sleet, then snow showers, with a covering of snow especially over high ground by the afternoon – drifting in the gales.

There’ll be coastal overtopping on Peel promenade late morning and early afternoon (High Tide ~ 12:26pm).

There’s still some uncertainty in the exact depth and track of Storm Eunice, so a detailed warning will be issued by the Met Office in due course.

Today’s forecast:

Mostly bright today with sunny spells and only isolated showers.

The strong westerly winds gradually moderating. Top temperature 8 Celsius.

Heavy rain developing overnight into Friday, with strengthening winds. Then severe gales for a while during the day, possibly causing some disruption and damage in places as we get gusts of 60 to 70 mph from the northwest, perhaps 75 mph in more exposed locations.

The rain turning to sleet or snow over high ground before clearing to wintry showers by the afternoon, with sunny intervals, but still very windy until later. Temperatures only 5 or 6°C at best.

Rain at times on Saturday with mostly fresh winds and highs around 7°C.