A flood warning has been issued on the Isle of Wight today (Sunday, April 28), with the Eastern Yar expected to flood amid heavy rainfall.

Earlier this morning, the Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the Eastern Yar and tributaries from Whitwell and Bembridge, but the alert has now raised to flood warning.

Another alert has been put in place for the River Medina, with land flooding expected in the Newport and Blackwater areas.

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Following 30mm of rainfall in the last 12 hours, water was ponded on low-lying land adjacent to the river throughout the valley, at around 8am, 

At Langbridge and Alverstone Road Bridge, the river is close to the top of the bank.

Flooding on Morton Common and Golf Links Road may occur from midday, warns the Environment Agency.

Ditches around Fort Holiday Park will struggle to drain while river levels are high. 

At Alverstone, the river will rise until approximately 3pm, while at Sandown, it will not peak until at least 1am tomorrow (Monday, April 29). 

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Over the next 24 hours, please expect water levels to be higher than normal.

“We have checked that the Bembridge sluice is operating normally. 

“The Environment Agency advises property owners to ensure that any pumps used to protect gardens and property are operating.”

The IW Council has sandbags available in the following locations:

  • St Mary’s car park, Cowes
  • Well Road, East Cowes
  • Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Ryde