Wind speeds of almost 110mph were recorded at The Needles yesterday (Saturday) during a storm that brought significant disruption to the Isle of Wight, as well as causing damage to land and property.
An amber weather warning was issued by IW Met Service on Friday as forecasting models suggested hurricane-force winds were due for the Island. That warning was certainly well timed as powerful gusts, accompanied by heavy rain, battered the garden isle from early on Saturday.
The local forecasting service – the official forecasters of Island Echo since December 2018 – were the only organisation to issue an amber warning.
A number of trees and power lines were brought down which led to a series of power cuts – predominately in the western and central parts of the Island. The fire service were called out to the Premier Inn development in Sandown as scaffolding boards were falling down onto the road below. They also attended a damaged building in Ventnor when winds ripped off part of a roof.
The 109.4mph gust recorded at The Needles was a new record according to Needles Coastwatch. The previous record was set in 2015. It’s wasn’t just rural spots that saw strong gusts though with the built up area of Shanklin hitting at least 77mph.
Here are a selection of photos and videos captured by Island Echo readers yesterday (2nd November 2019)…
Island Echo reader Leah Wherry was swept off her feet – quite literally – when she was caught off guard by a large wave at Freshwater Bay. Leah has shared this video to demonstrate the strength of the sea and the dangers of the coast…
A reminder…
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
Just like to thank all Scottish and southern engineers who worked so hard in treacherous conditions so get our power restored in forelands road bembridge
The Bay always was stormy when I lived on the Island. I hope that no one was hurt.