‘BE PREPARED’ – FLOOD ALERT ISSUED FOR THE COAST AS HIGH TIDE WILL BE… HIGH

Islanders are being urged to ‘be prepared’ as Saturday night’s tide is set to be high, prompting a flood alert to be issued for the Isle of Wight coast. The Environment Agency says that the high tide at 22:30 will be higher than normal due to unsettled weather with strong South Westerly Force 5 winds. The total forecast tide is 5.01 metres Chart Datum (2.27 mAOD) at Cowes. For 1 hour either side of high water, very minor impact flooding will affect some seafront roads, esplanades and car parks across the Island. Water will be high up slipways in Cowes, affecting Medina Road and the floating bridge. In East Cowes, sea water forced up through drains may cause very minor impacts to the road at Albany Road. Tomorrow morning’s tide is forecast at 4.84 metres Chart Datum (2.1 mAOD). Subsequent tide levels will be higher than tonight, but it is unlikely that it will cause flooding to property. As a precautionary measure, and if you have it, the Environment Agency recommends that flood protection is installed at Medina Road, Cowes 1 hour before high tide.