This council advice was intended to go out last night, but still has useful information if we’re hit with more rain this week. Ed
With the prospect of continuing unsettled weather and a high tide due late tonight (Tuesday), the IW Council has made arrangements to bolster its supplies of sandbags in vulnerable areas.
It has also re-iterated standing advice to homeowners whose properties are at risk of flooding.
The information comes following prolonged rainfall this morning that caused incidents of flooding across the Island with Ryde most severely affected.
Properties suffer flooding
Numerous properties in the Strand area suffered flooding when 70mm of rainfall – the amount usually expected to fall in a month – fell in a matter of hours causing Monktonmead Brook to burst its banks. Southern Water said its sewer system was not designed to cope with the huge volume of rain that fell.
Emergency services on hand
At the height of the flooding, seven fire appliances and the specialist high volume pump, incident support unit and the command unit were all deployed to the Strand area. Other crews were also mobilised to attend calls elsewhere on the Island.
At the Strand, two families were housed in bed and breakfast accommodation by the Isle of Wight Council’s housing services and a temporary rest centre has opened at Ryde Sports Centre. Many other householders took refuge in the homes of friends and families.
Between 0530 and midday, the fire service had received 76 calls for assistance, 65 of which were in the Ryde area.
Sand bags
With a high tide due later tonight (Tuesday), the IW Council has made arrangements to restock sand bags at existing stores at Yarmouth Car Park and St Mary’s Car Park in Cowes which are both prone to flooding. In additional sand bag stores have been created at the Strand near the junction of East Hill Road and nearby at Alexandra Road Ryde at the junction of West Hill Road.
In response to a new flood warning for the Eastern Yar at Langbridge and Alverstone, sandbags are being made available from the early evening at Newchurch Car Park near the Primary School while a further store will be available at Quay Street Newport, opposite the Law Courts.
The store at Simeon’s Recreation Area is not accessible owing to flooding.
The public may collect sand bags from these available stores but we would ask they are used only to protect dwelling areas of residential properties. Residents are reminded that in most cases, three sandbags per door should be sufficient.
The council can, subject to availability and capacity, arrange to deliver sandbags to vulnerable members of the community that are unable to access their own transport.
Useful Information
Flood warning updates
Call the Floodline on: 0845 988 1188
Weather updates
Met Office
Weather warnings
Met Office
For advice on sandbags call 01983 823777 during office hours or 01983 525121 out of hours.
Image: Sheryl Hollingsworth
