An amber weather warning has been issued for the Isle of Wight as strong winds of up to 85mph are expected to hit tomorrow (Saturday).
Forecasters at IW Met Service are warning of a spell of severe gale force, southwesterly winds that will bring gusts of up to 85mph in more exposed locations along western and southern coasts, as well as over the hills. Gusts of up to 65mph are expected in other parts of the Island.
Such winds bring the danger of structural damage to buildings, as well as the risk of tree debris falling including trees being uprooted.
The increase in wind speed will lead to a storm surge around the Island’s coast and this, combined with a medium tide height, could lead to some minor flooding as well as over-topping waves in some locations. The peak wind strength will be approximately 4 hours before high tide so this may moderate the storm surge at the peak of high tide somewhat.
The main places at risk of sea wall breaching leading to flooding are Cowes and Yarmouth. Over-topping waves will effect Freshwater Bay, Niton, Steephill Cove, Ventnor and Bonchurch, meaning it will be hazardous to walk along the beaches and immediate coastline.
The Environment Agency have issued a flood alert for the Isle of Wight coast (16:25). They confirm that for 1 hour each side of high water, large waves will cause overtopping and overwashing of defences across the exposed coast at Freshwater Bay, Sandown, Shanklin, Gurnard and Ryde. This will flood esplanades, seafront car parks and roads in these locations. As Cowes is sheltered from the waves, impacts, if any, will be minimal in this location.
Flood protection could be installed near the floating bridge and at Well Road in East Cowes 1 hour before high tide, if possible, as a very precautionary measure.
Travel and transport disruptions are likely with the highest impact being on cross Solent travel. Red Funnel are already advising of likely delays to their Red Jet and Vehicle Ferry services. Meanwhile, Solent and Wightline Cruises say that they have already cancelled their shopper, harbour tours and waterbus services for Saturday.
The amber warning is in force between 04:00 and 16:00 on Saturday 2nd November with the wind is expected to slowly ease from mid-afternoon. Updates can be found at https://www.iwmetservice.co.uk/weather-warnings/.
A yellow weather warning was issued early this morning (Friday) but that has now been superseded due to updated weather models.
Quick Links
Before the storm
• Secure loose objects such as wheelie bins, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages
• Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences
• Be aware of potential hazards nearby
During the storm
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences – if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
• Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
• Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary
The last amber weather warning issued for the Isle of Wight for strong winds was in November 2016.
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.
Crikey, anyone that has to go to the mainland tomorrow , should probably get going tonight.
Or get 6.15 in morning like I did and bee stuck for 7 hours getting back
That’s a price worth paying to keep out third world criminal types who would otherwise prey here as they do across that expensive but so valuable stretch of water
I bet the mainland are happy that our criminals can’t get to there too! :-p
Ah, my Copy cat stalker returns, being deliberately offensive and racist when pretending to be me, clearly in an attempt to get me banned. Admin check out the email address of me and that above and SEE the difference.