Flood Alert Issued For Parts Of Ryde After Half A Month's Rain Falls In 24 Hours

UPDATED: A flood alert has been issued for parts of Ryde after heavy rain overnight. *Flood alerts have also been issued for the Eastern Yar and Gurnard Luck.

The Environment Agency has said that flooding is possible for Monktonmead Brook at St Johns Road, St John's Station and Park Road.

Almost half a month's average rainfall has fallen in 24 hours.

The Environment Agency said:

"The water level in the Monktonmead Brook is high and rising. In the last 24 hours, almost half a month’s rain (45mm) has been recorded at Ryde.

"From 12.30am on Thursday, water will begin to flow across the railway tracks, upstream of St Johns Station.

"Flooding of the station buildings or property is not expected.

"Further heavy rain (20 to 40mm) is forecast in the early hours of Thursday (21/10/21), which will cause the river to rise further. Water levels are unlikely to begin to fall until after 3am.

"We will keep the river free of reported blockages. We continue to monitor the forecast.

"Please consider moving vehicles from depots located next to the river and railway line.

"This Flood Alert will be updated by 10am or sooner if we think that property flooding will occur."

*UPDATED 9am

*Flood alerts have also been issued for Gurnard Luck and Eastern Yar.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

"The water level in the Gurnard Luck remains very high. Yesterday (Wednesday) 55mm of rain was recorded in Cowes. This is a very significant amount of rain in a short period of time. High tide at Cowes is expected at 12.18pm this afternoon.The river will rise for 2 hours after time of high water (until 2.20pm) before it will be able to drain with the lowering tide.

"Properties nearest to the river in Marsh Road will experience garden flooding throughout this period. The water level will be much higher than it was yesterday lunchtime. Over the next few days the weather will be dry.

"At high tide in the early hours of Friday morning (12.27am) the river will remain a little elevated, but overall the situation will improve. From tomorrow morning onwards, no further impacts are expected. We continue to monitor the forecast.

"During times of high tide stated above, please keep away from the river at Gurnard Road Bridge. Water will be deep and fast flowing. This message will be removed by 5pm."

The Eastern Yar also has a flood alert.

The Environment Agency said:

"The water level in the Eastern Yar remains very high and continues to rise. Yesterday 55mm of rain was recorded at Knighton.

"Currently, the river is near the top of the bank in Alverstone. Field flooding is expected along the Yar Valley. Golf Links Road will be flooded and today minor impact flooding will affect Moreton Common Road. Land around holiday parks in Sandown may flood, as water will struggle to drain to the river.

"Over the next few days, the weather will be settled and dry. In Alverstone, the river should stabilise around 10am this morning, remaining high for several hours, it is unlikely to begin to lower until this afternoon.

"During this time, it may cause some minor impact flooding to gardens. In Sandown, the river will continue to rise until the early hours of Friday morning.

"As it peaks, it may be bank full at Sandown Road Bridge. We continue to monitor the forecast. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. This message will be updated by 10am on Friday."