The Causeway will be closed by 8.30pm tonight at the latest, the Emergency Measures Organisation has announced.

A spokesman said: “As a result of an assessment made at 7.30pm, an order has been issued to close the Causeway.”

Public Works is now in the process of closing off the only link between the East End and the rest of the Island, he added.

The road will be closed by 8.30pm at the latest.