Mountain Road reopens after overnight snow closure

The Mountain Road on the Isle of Man has been reopened following a 16-hour closure because of snow and ice - but stormy conditions have cancelled ferry crossings.

The A18 was closed from the Gooseneck to the Creg Ny Baa after overnight snowfall led to icy conditions, with a review due later.

Strong winds have led to a further warning for large waves breaking over coastal roads and promenades between 23:30 GMT and 15:30 on Thursday.

The conditions have also seen the 18:30 crossing of the Manxman between the island and Lancashire and its overnight return called off, with four further sailings at risk.

Although the 07:45 ferry sailing to Heysham and its 13:45 return will run as scheduled, the day's later sailings have been cancelled.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said all the remaining journeys on Thursday were also at risk due to the ongoing adverse conditions.

Police said an inspection by the Department of Infrastructure of the Mountain Road at 07:00 had found the conditions meant it was "not safe enough to open" to morning traffic, however a daytime thaw saw it reopen at about 15:00.

An amber weather warning for "overtopping of waves and debris" either side of the 12:45 high tide put in place on Wednesday by Ronaldsway Met Office was followed by a further 16-hour alert.

Forecasters said Douglas, Laxey and Ramsey promenades, along with Derbyhaven and the western part of Shore Road in Rushen, would see "significant debris" brought ashore at the same time of Thursday's daytime high tide at 13:30, with Castletown Promenade also at risk to a lesser extent.

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