Flood Alert Issued for Eastern Yar on Isle of Wight as Heavy Rain Forecasts Threaten Rising River Levels

Alert Details

The Environment Agency (Solent and South Downs) has issued a flood alert for the Eastern Yar. This alert was raised on February 17, 2026, in response to high river levels and heavy rainfall forecast for the region.

Affected Areas

The alert specifically covers the Eastern Yar on the Isle of Wight. Areas currently affected or at risk include:

• Golf Links Road and Moreton Common Road
• Ditches around Fort Holiday Park
• Low-lying land, roads, cycle tracks, and footpaths close to the river
• Langbridge and Alverstone (where the river is expected to be close to bank full)
• Nicholas Close (potential garden flooding)
• Sandown

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas, particularly in Alverstone, should consider activating any available flood protection products. The Environment Agency is currently checking rivers for blockages and operating the Bembridge sluices to manage water levels. Residents are advised to avoid low-lying footpaths and roads near the river that may become submerged.

Expected Conditions

Forecasters expect approximately 25mm of rain on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This volume of rainfall is expected to cause river levels to rise significantly. While heavy rain is expected Wednesday, only a small amount of rain is forecast from Thursday, February 19, through Saturday, February 21.

Timeline

The flood alert is effective immediately, with the primary threat of flooding occurring on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. River levels and the associated flood risk are expected to begin reducing in Alverstone and Sandown by Thursday, February 19. The Environment Agency will provide an update on the situation by 6:00 PM on February 19, 2026, or sooner if conditions change.