The main road through Binstead has been closed in both directions as fire crews work to clear flood water from a number of residential properties this evening (Sunday).
Family homes are several feet underwater following a torrential downpour earlier this afternoon, with early indications suggesting the rainfall is unprecedented for the Isle of Wight.
Firefighters are using suction hoses to draw away as much water as possible to a nearby brook as residents take refuge upstairs.
Neighbours have rallied together to clear debris and as much water as they can, with Binstead Road, Cemetery Road, Arnold Road and Chapel Lane all affected.
Binstead Road is closed in both directions with motorists being diverted locally. However, roads on the estate such as Pell Lane are also flooded, as are roads in nearby Havenstreet.
Although Ryde has seemingly been worst hit by the rain and hail, other locations have also seen significant amounts of rainfall. In Godshill, the main road has also been closed as fire crews pump water away there too.
Other particular areas of flooding to note include Morton Common, Brading; Briddlesford Road, Downend and Rowlands Lane, Havenstreet.
The Isle of Wight Council have sandbags at Well Road, East Cowes, Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Ryde and St Mary’s car park, Ryde. Island Roads are currently replenishing stocks at these locations for those who need them.
UPDATE @ 19:00 – Island Echo’s official weather forecasters, IW Met Service, are reporting that 68mm of rain has fallen in the Havenstreet area today, with Elmfield seeing 53mm and Binstead 43mm – all incredibly high amounts for such a short period.
The peak rate was 34mm an hour.
Binstead Main Road has now re-opened to all traffic, including Southern Vectis Route 4 and 9 buses.
UPDATE @ 20:54 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service say they have received an extremely high volume of calls following the flash floods this afternoon.
Assistant Director of Operations, Dan Tasker, has said:
“Fortunately, we have not been required to respond to any incidents involving lives at risk. The Environment Agency and local authority have implemented their well-tested flood response plans to tackle the flooding which is expected to subside over the coming hours.
“If you require sandbags, please contact the Isle of Wight council for assistance. A big thank you to the public for pulling together and looking out for one another during these difficult times”.
