Severe flooding has led to the closure of the main Ryde to Sandown road on Morton Common in Brading, following continued torrential rain. The Eastern Yar has swollen significantly due to the downpours, impacting travel and local infrastructure.

Road Closure and Diversions

Island Roads has closed the road in both directions between Yarbridge and Perowne Way/Avenue Road. Motorists are being redirected to use alternative routes via Yaverland and Culver Parade. The flooding has necessitated these measures to ensure the safety of road users.

Impact on Public Transport

Southern Vectis has announced that its Route 2 and 3 buses will also divert via Yaverland in both directions. The change in bus routes is a response to the road closure and aims to minimize disruption to public transport services.

Environment Agency’s Response

The Environment Agency has warned that flooding will continue to affect low-lying land in the area in the coming days. Efforts to mitigate the situation include operating the Bembridge sluice to allow water to flow out to sea between high tides. However, this measure has not prevented flooding around Morton.

Additional Road Closures

Further compounding the situation, Horwell Shute remains closed due to Monday’s landslip, which saw around 200 tonnes of earth slip onto the road. The site must first stabilize before debris can be removed, as premature clearing could lead to further movement. Island Roads is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant parties to address the issue. Additionally, Appleford Road in Chale, at Leechmore Cross, has been closed due to flooding.

Public Advisory

Residents and commuters in the affected areas are advised to stay updated on road conditions and follow any guidance from local authorities. The continued rainfall and its impact on the roads highlight the importance of caution and adaptability in response to changing weather conditions. Island Roads and other agencies are working diligently to manage the situation and restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.