FLOOD ALERTS FOR RYDE AND NEWPORT AS OVERNIGHT RAIN RAISES RIVER LEVELS

Flood alerts have been issued for both Ryde and Newport following torrential downpours overnight, with more than 35mm of rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours alone. The Environment Agency says that the water level in the Monktonmead Brook at St John’s Station in Ryde is high and rising as a result of heavy and intense rain overnight, with the river expected to peak around 06:30 this morning. Disruption to Island Line is expected as water will begin to flow across the railway tracks, upstream of St Johns Station. Flooding of the station buildings is possible also. In Newport, the water level in the Lukely Brook is also high and rising and said to be near to bank full. Islanders are being warned that the river may come out of bank affecting land at Vicarage Walk. The river may also come out of bank from Old Westminster Lane to Hunnycross Way, flooding footpaths. The Environment Agency says that if levels continue to rise, it may issue a more serious Flood Warning for onset of property flooding directly from the river. Vulnerable areas are Old Westminster Lane, and the Aquatics Centre at Vicarage Walk near Foxes Road – the same areas badly flooded back in October. With this in mind, those living near to Vicarage Walk and closest to the Lukely Brook are being encouraged to protect their property.