Flood Alert Issued for Eastern Yar on Isle of Wight as Heavy Rain Forecast

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert (Severity Level 3) for the Eastern Yar in the Solent and South Downs region. The alert was officially raised on February 21, 2026, in response to high river levels resulting from recent wet weather.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Eastern Yar on the Isle of Wight. Flooding is currently affecting Golf Links Road and Moreton Common Road. Specific areas of concern include ditches around Fort Holiday Park, which are struggling to drain. If forecast rain impacts the area, flooding could extend to low-lying land, roads, cycle tracks, and footpaths near the river. In Langbridge and Alverstone, the river is expected to be close to bank full, and garden flooding is possible at Nicholas Close.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to consider activating any flood protection products they may have, particularly in the Alverstone area. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring the situation, checking rivers for blockages, and operating the Bembridge sluices.

Expected Conditions

High river levels are expected over the next two days. Up to 18mm of rain is forecast for Sunday, February 22, 2026, which may lead to further flooding. Following this, conditions are expected to improve from Monday, February 23, to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with minimal daily rainfall of up to 1mm forecast, allowing river levels to recover.

Timeline

The flood alert is currently active, with flooding possible on February 22, 2026. The Environment Agency has stated that this message will be updated by 18:00 on February 23, 2026.