Storm Eunice has been declared a major incident by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum due to the potential for severe disruption, with a clear message not to travel.
Locally, a red weather warning has been issued by the IW Met Service with hurricane-strength winds expected to hit our shores tomorrow (Friday). Gusts of up to 80mph are expected widely, with 100mph or above at the coast.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Isle of Wight coast and officials are saying that people should avoid exposed coastal areas, take note of warning signs and be aware of the tides.
There’s expected disruption to the road and transport network so members of the public are advised not to travel if possible. If you do need to travel, allow plenty of extra time for your journey and drive to the conditions.
Emergency services and statutory agencies are on stand-by to put well-rehearsed plans into place. On the Island, consideration is being given to the fact all ferries may be cancelled with Coastguard and air ambulance helicopters grounded too.
HM Coastguard teams will be patrolling and ready to assist other agencies should the need arise. Police, paramedics and firefighters are preparing for additional calls and Island Roads is preparing to respond to a variety of call-outs.
Islanders are being asked to only call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life. A list of other useful numbers can be found at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/important-information/usefulnumbers/.
Island Echo will be running live updates throughout tomorrow. Keep an eye on the homepage for the link!
Most people are too selfish to follow that advice. Anyone who ignores this guidance are just plain stupid.
Absolutely. You’ll get the brainless going down to the seafront to ‘have a look’. If they want to risk their own lives, so be it, but think about the poor emergency service personnel who go out and have to put their lives at risk to rescue these morons.
Let’s hope people listen and there are no incidents to report?
I’m going kite surfing with my 7m foil
Have a blast! Make sure to get some souvenirs from Copenhagen
I’ve just popped back to shore for my vegan lunch before I hit the surf again.
So many people make unnesseccary journeys in these conditions.
Be careful folks, a friend of mine many years ago in the great storm of the 80’s was injured by a fallen Tree and has since been in a wheelchair.
I agree there is a danger but unfortunately on this island there are a lot of people on very low pay and they have no options to go out to work
Life is more important than 1 days pay.
Just had to take my sons to work this morning one to mcdonalds in ryde .one to nodes point .weather’s starting to realy pick up
Too many people make unnesseccary journeys in such conditions.