Flood Alert Issued for River Medina on the Isle of Wight

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Medina within the Solent and South Downs region. The alert was officially raised at 1:46 PM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in response to rising river levels and incoming precipitation.

Affected Areas

The alert covers geographic regions along the River Medina on the Isle of Wight. Specific locations identified as being at risk include land, gardens, and roads in Blackwater, with particular concern for Blackwater Hollow on the A3020 near Mill Farm and Sandy Lane. Additionally, river levels may become very high at St George’s Way in Shide.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to consider activating any flood protection products they may have. It is critical to avoid flooded ground, as flood water can be unexpectedly deep. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring rainfall and river levels and will ensure the river remains free of reported blockages.

Expected Conditions

Up to 25mm of rainfall is forecast for Wednesday afternoon. These conditions are expected to maintain high river levels, which may lead to the flooding of local infrastructure and property. While rain is expected to continue into Thursday, only small amounts are forecast from Friday, February 20, onwards.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of February 18, 2026. Rainfall is forecast to continue through the morning of Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Environment Agency expects the flood risk to begin reducing on Thursday. This alert is scheduled to be updated by 6:00 PM on February 20, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.