PROPERTY AND ROAD FLOODING EXPECTED AS SUNDAY FLOOD WARNING IN FORCE

A flood warning has been issued for the Eastern Yar following more than 30mm of rainfall over the past 12 hours – which could impact Morton Common later today (Sunday). The Environment Agency has issued the warning – more significant than the usual flood alert – as a result of the unexpected high volume of rainfall overnight, which means the river’s water level is high and still rising. Golf Links Road and the cycle track between Sandown and Newport is expected to become impassable, as is the access track to Horringford. Flooding could impact Morton Common – the main road between Ryde and Sandown – from midday, although water levels are not expected to peak in Sandown until 01:00 tomorrow morning (Monday). This may result in the road being closed with all traffic diverted via Yaverland. From around 13:00 this afternoon, the main road at Alverstone, near the bridge, will flood with river levels expected to continue rising until 15:00. Water will surround properties in Alverstone and Langbridge, flooding a small number of properties. Garden flooding is expected at Whitwell High Street too. Islanders are being urged to install flood protection now and leave it in place until tomorrow. A separate flood alert is in place for the Bembridge end of the Eastern Yar, with another alert also in force for the River Medina in Newport. Out of bank flooding is expected to affect land, gardens and possibly roads at Blackwater, especially at Blackwater Hollow on the A3020 near the Mill Farm, and at Sandy Lane. The river will become very high at St George’s Way, Shide this morning too. Water levels will remain high and rise slightly over the next 2 hours, but should begin to fall by 14:00.