Multiple Flood Warnings Issued Across Isle Of Wight As Heavy Rain Causes Widespread Disruption

The Environment Agency has issued a series of flood alerts and flood warnings across the Isle of Wight today (Tuesday, January 27th) following prolonged and heavy rainfall overnight and into the morning.

River levels have risen rapidly across several catchments, with flooding expected or already occurring in a number of areas.

Along the River Medina, a flood alert remains in force from Blackwater to Newport, while a more serious flood warning has been issued for Blackwater and Newport.

Flooding is expected to affect land, gardens, roads and properties near Mill Farm, Blackwater Mill, Sandy Lane and St George’s Way in Shide.

River levels were forecast to become very high early this morning, with conditions expected to ease gradually through late morning and early afternoon as rainfall reduces.

Further west, a flood warning is in force for Gurnard, where high levels on the Gurnard Luck are expected to cause flooding between Gurnard Pines and Marsh Road.

Gardens, roads and low-lying properties in Marsh Road are at risk, with additional flooding possible later today around the next high tide at Cowes, forecast for 5:15pm.

On the Eastern Yar, a flood alert covers areas from Whitwell to Bembridge. Low-lying land, roads, footpaths and cycle tracks are affected, with possible property flooding in Alverstone and Langbridge later today.

Golf Links Road and Moreton Common Road may flood from mid-morning, while the river is expected to continue rising in Sandown into Wednesday morning.

The Environment Agency says it is operating the Bembridge sluices and monitoring rivers for blockages.

In Ryde, a flood alert is in force for St Johns, affecting Monktonmead Brook around St Johns Road, the railway station and Park Road.

Flooding could impact railway tracks and station buildings, with river levels expected to fall around midday, though further showers later today may cause additional rises.

A flood warning has also been issued for Carisbrooke and Hunny Hill on the Lukely Brook.

Flooding is expected at the bottom of Castle Street, the Aquatics Centre at Vicarage Walk near Foxes Road, and along Caesars Road and Old Westminster Lane, where roads and parked cars could be affected.

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight Radio has received reports from a listener of severe flooding on the Newport–Cowes diversion route this morning.

Floodwater is reported around Rolls Hill and Northwood, with Forest Road heavily flooded on both sides just before the turn onto the diversion.

The corner at the Thorness Bay turn-off is said to be particularly deep on the outbound side, with the worst conditions at the bottom of Rolls Hill, where water reportedly has a strong current and has made driving extremely difficult.

Motorists are being urged to avoid flooded roads and never attempt to drive through deep or fast-moving water.

The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely as further showers are forecast later today and into Wednesday.