Gale force winds have forced the cancellation of today's ferry sailings.

This morning's 8.45am sailing to Heysham has been cancelled; consequently this afternoon's return service to Douglas won't be operating.

There's a gale warning in the Irish Sea, with rough seas expected to worsen this afternoon to severe gale 9. Meanwhile, the met office is warning that there could be overtopping this afternoon as tidal levels are high. The next high tide is at 2.30pm. Strong winds are expected to continue over the next 24 hours.

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