Flash flooding that has swamped central parts of the Isle of Wight has led to firefighters assisting a stranded motorist caught in deep flood water.
Torrential downpours that initially hit around 10:00 this morning (Sunday) have caused sudden flooding across Newport and the surrounding areas, with Coppins Bridge – the Island’s busiest junction – underwater for a time.
Now, following further heavy downpours, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has attended Briddlesford Road near Downend, where a vehicle has become stranded in the middle of a significant flood outside Lynnbottom Tip.
Notably worse than previous occasions, the flooding has led to the decision to close Lynnbottom Household Waste and Recycling Centre until further notice. The tip itself is partially underwater.
Thankfully, the motorist has been assisted to safety and fire crews from Newport have now stood down from the incident.
Island Roads have closed Briddlesford Road in both directions – all traffic should divert locally.
Elsewhere on the Island, surface water is present but areas seem to have escaped the amount of rainfall seen in and around Newport, in line with a yellow weather warning issued by IW Met Service. The warning remains in force until 19:00 today.
Wait until it really rains, and for a long time
Wait until it really rains, last night was nothing