FLOOD ALERT ISSUED FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT COAST AS UNSETTLED WEATHER EXPECTED ON THURSDAY

A flood alert for the Isle of Wight coast has been issued by the Environment Agency as Thursday afternoon’s tide will be higher than normal.  A weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain has already been issued for the Isle of Wight, in force from 09:00-21:00 tomorrow. The forecast unsettled weather, with strong Southerly Force 6 winds and large waves, will see tide table values increase by 0.91m. The total forecast tide at 12:30 is 5.01 metres Chart Datum (2.42 mAOD) at Cowes. For 1 hour either side of high water, seafront roads, esplanades and car parks will flood and therefore flood defences should be installed. In Cowes, water will affect the High Street and Medina Road (floating bridge), while in Newport, Sea Street is likely to see flooding from Newport Harbour. In East Cowes, sea water forced up through drains will impact the road at Albany Road, York Avenue and Castle Street. The Wightlink car ferry terminal car park at Yarmouth will flood and this may impact Bridge Street. The Environment Agency says that the weather is expected to become more settled over the Easter bank holiday, so levels will reduce and no further impacts are expected.