Sea Levels Around Isle Of Wight To Rise By A Metre Within 80 Years — Environment Agency

Sea levels around the Isle of Wight could be around a metre higher within the next 80 years, according to the Environment Agency (EA).

Speaking at County Hall last Thursday (October 23), EA operations manager John O’Flynn told the Isle of Wight Council that climate change is already putting “ever-increasing pressures” on the Island’s flood defences.

His comments came during a discussion about the devastating floods in Ryde in 2023, which followed what he described as an “exceptional rainfall event” — the heaviest on the Island in more than 75 years.

More than 100 homes in Ryde’s Monktonmead area were flooded on October 25, 2023, after Storm Babet hit the Island.

During the meeting, Cllr Ed Blake, vice-chair of the Environment and Community Protection Committee, raised concerns about changing weather patterns and said climate change was leading to “heavier” and “more localised” downpours.

He added that the 2023 flooding was not caused by high tides, warning that this kind of event could become “commonplace” if not managed properly.

Responding, Mr O’Flynn said:

“I do disagree that it wasn’t exceptional.

"The rainfall we had on the evening of the 24th was more than the Island has seen in over 75 years.

"It genuinely was an exceptional event. “In terms of climate change and the ever-increasing pressure on defences, you’re absolutely right — that’s something we are very aware of.

“For tidal schemes, we recognise that in probably about 80 years, sea levels are expected to be about a metre higher, and we’re already incorporating that into our designs.”