Strong winds are expected across the Isle of Wight tonight (Friday) and into tomorrow, coupled with high tides that could cause 3m waves and coastal flooding.
With a Flood Alert in place for the Island’s coastline – especially around lunchtime on Saturday – the Environment Agency is urging people to take extra care due to the risk of large waves, spray and flooding of roads, promenades and car parks.
Water levels may be particularly high at Cowes and Newport and properties at the floating bridge slipway in Cowes may wish to protect their houses as a precautionary measure. Spray overtopping of sea defences at Yarmouth and Ryde could occur as wave heights up to 3m are expected.
Things are so serious that the Environment Agency has deployed an Incident Command Unit to the Island this evening, alongside 100m of temporary flood defence barriers which will be erected in Yarmouth in the morning.
Although the Met Office has not issued an Amber weather warning, the approaching weather front has been named ‘Storm Brian’ as the Irish Meteorological Office has declared an Amber warning for the country.
The majority of the adverse weather is expected in the West, but the Isle of Wight remains under a Yellow weather warning with gusts of 60 to 70mph expected in exposed areas.
Islanders are being warned against taking unnecessary risks by taking ‘storm selfies’ or driving through flood water. All persons should keep away from exposed coastal areas at high tide. If driving, remember that just 30cm is enough to move your car.
Wightlink say they do not anticipate disruption to their FastCat service or the Fishbourne-Portsmouth car ferry service. Customers travelling to and from Yarmouth are recommended to check before they travel, particularly if travelling in the early afternoon between 14:00-16:00.
Red Funnel say their Red Jet service may encounter severe disruption.
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