FLOOD ALERT FOR THE EASTERN YAR AFTER MORE THAN 20MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Eastern Yar following more heavy rainfall overnight and into this morning (Monday). In the past 12 hours alone, nearly 20mm of rainfall has been recorded, meaning that river levels at Alverstone are rising and will continue to rise throughout the day. From 10:30 this morning, water will be ponded on low-lying land throughout the river valley with road and footpath flooding expected, including at Golf Links Road and Moreton Common. At Langbridge and Alverstone Road Bridge, the river will be close to the top of the river bank. Ditches around Fort Holiday Park will struggle to drain while river levels are high. Although the remainder of today should be fairly dry, tomorrow a further 2-18mm of rainfall is forecast. This means flooding will continue to affect the Eastern Yar and tributaries from Whitwell to Bembridge in the coming days. The Environment Agency says it is operating Bembridge sluice so that water is able to flow out to sea between high tides.