A number of weather warnings are in force for the Isle of Wight today (Wednesday), as Islanders brace themselves for the arrival of Storm Ciaran.

Winds of up to 85mph are expected in some areas, as well as heavy rain.

Currently, a Met Office yellow alert for rain and wind is in place until 9am.

From 6pm, a warning for just rain comes into effect until midnight tomorrow (Thursday).

LIVE UPDATES: Isle of Wight flooding and rain updates as Storm Ciaran hits

That will run alongside an alert for strong winds, which comes in at 9pm.

Meanwhile, local forecaster the Isle of Wight Met Service has issued an amber alert for severe gales and heavy rain from the same time.

That is due to run until 6pm tomorrow (Thursday).

An amber warning from the Met Office is in force from 6am tomorrow until 8pm.

Forecaster Jamie Russell said Storm Ciaran will develop to the west of the UK and strengthen as it reaches the Island's shores.

He said: "The system will begin to affect us later on Wednesday evening as a large area of very heavy rain pushes in from the southwest and this will be accompanied by a severe southeasterly gale, gusting to around 70-80mph in places, and this will be accompanied by spells of heavy rain with 40-50mm possible in some spots.

"The second and potentially more severe spell develops through Thursday morning and lasts until mid afternoon.

"During this second spell there is a chance that west-southwesterly winds gusting up to 80-85mph could affect parts of our region, although at present it seems the most likely places to be affected would be the Southern and Southwestern coasts of the Island, but there is significant uncertainty to where the system will end up as the second spell of severe winds may miss the Island entirely."

What to expect (according to the Met Office):
 

  • Flying debris could result in a danger to life
  • Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines and trees brought down
  • Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
  • Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties