Flooding Hits Isle of Wight Towns As Severe Rain Falls

Persistent downpours have caused widespread flooding across the Isle of Wight this morning (Friday), leaving roads impassable, shops closed and transport services disrupted.

In Newport, Coppins Bridge and the town centre were among the worst affected, with some residents describing the streets as “rivers” as water poured through drains.

The Quay Arts Centre was forced to shut for the day after floodwater entered the building, while Sainsbury’s in Newport also closed due to the conditions.

In Ryde, the Esplanade was submerged and Binstead Village Stores was temporarily shut after water entered the premises. Roads around Binstead, including Arnold Road and Binstead Lodge Road, were also badly affected, with locals saying the drains simply could not cope with the volume of rain.

Sandown, Lake and Shanklin reported significant flooding, with the railway bridge end of Avenue Road particularly hazardous. Water also collected along Blackwater Road and the main routes between Sandown and Newport, while Bowcombe, Horsebridge Hill and Brading Road all saw disruption.

Bus company Southern Vectis confirmed several routes were delayed or diverted to avoid deep floodwater, apologising to passengers for the inconvenience.

Motorists were urged to drive with extreme caution, as surface water and hidden potholes made conditions treacherous.

The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain, in force until midday. It is the second time in a month some areas, including Arnold Road in Binstead, have been hit by flooding.