Adverse weather conditions are causing travel disruption across the Isle of Wight this morning (Friday).
Trees have come down across the carriageway in several locations, including Military Road near Brighstone and Pixley Hill in Freshwater, with Southern Vectis’ Route 7 buses being forced to divert as a result.
On the ferries, Hovertravel has suspended its service between Ryde and Southsea due to the weather conditions.
Wightlink is running to timetable, although several car ferry and FastCat sailings have been cancelled. Affected customers are being contacted and offered alternative sailing times.
A spokesperson for Wightlink has said:
“To keep our customers safe, we have cancelled several Car Ferry and FastCat sailings and are contacting all affected customers to offer an alternative sailing time.
“Safety must come first, and we will only operate services where conditions allow.”
Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry service between East Cowes and Southampton is currently running to time.
Meanwhile, Island Line has warned that trains are expected to be unable to run along Ryde Pier later this morning due to the weather. Services will instead start and terminate at Ryde Esplanade, running to and from Shanklin.
A rail replacement minibus will shuttle between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head from 09:30 until 12:30.
The National Trust says that it has closed all of its locations across the Isle of Wight today.
The disruption follows weather warnings issued earlier this week, with forecasters highlighting the risk of fallen trees and branches affecting the morning commute.
As reported yesterday, IW Met Service has extended its yellow weather warning until 20:00 tonight. Forecasters warn that gusts of up to 60mph are possible throughout the day, potentially exceeding 70mph depending on the storm’s track.
Those travelling this morning should allow extra time for their journeys.
