Heavy rains cause traffic chaos

A motorist had to be pulled to safety after her car became trapped

Torrential downpours in the Isle of Man have caused serious flooding problems.

The island's emergency services were inundated with calls after heavy rains led to large areas of flooding.

Flood water was reported at Richmond Hill and Peel Road in Douglas, and in the Greeba area and from Brandish Corner down to Hillberry.

At lunchtime a motorist had to be helped to safety after her car became stuck while crossing the Silverburn River ford in Ballasalla, Rushen Abbey.

A passerby helped the woman from the car prior to the fire brigade's arrival. Firefighters secured the vehicle with lines before towing it on to dry land.

The Mountain Road saw about three inches of rainfall since early morning and more than an inch fell at Ronaldsway Airport over the same period.

The Emergency Services Joint Control Room has urged motorists to drive with care as more rain is forecast.