Flood Alert Issued For Isle Of Wight Coast Ahead Of High Tide

A flood alert has been issued for parts of the Isle of Wight coastline, with the Environment Agency warning that flooding is possible around high tide on Wednesday.

Strong south-easterly winds, reaching Force 6, could cause waves to overtop sea defences, leading to spray and minor flooding in coastal locations including Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay, Sandown, Shanklin, Gurnard and Ryde. Esplanades, seafront car parks and nearby roads may be affected in these areas.

Flooding is expected to be possible for up to one hour either side of the lunchtime high tide at 12.34pm.

At Cowes, the total forecast tide is 4.72 metres Chart Datum, which is 2.13 metres above Ordnance Datum.

However, as Cowes is more sheltered from wave action, any impacts there are expected to be minimal.

The Environment Agency has said that property flooding is not expected at this time.

People are being urged to take care near coastal areas, avoid walking or driving through flood water, and activate any local flood protection measures they have in place.