Isle of Wight Daily News and Weather Updates from the Island Pulse.

The Environment Agency has issued area flood warnings for the Isle of Wight as a huge storm is heading our way.  High winds are predicted with gusts of up to 80ph and a high tide from Sunday through to Wednesday could lead to severe flooding.

Isle of Wight coastal areas are being urged to prepare for the severe weather at Cowes, East Cowes, Wootton, Ryde, Spring Vale, Bembridge, Gurnard and tidal areas of Newport.

The storm is forecast to develop out of a strong jet stream that moved out of Canada on Saturday, crossing the Atlantic before hitting the UK on Sunday and Monday. It’s set to hit the country in two waves.

Island weather forecaster David @ Wroxall Weather  said:

“There is a deep area of low pressure heading for the UK, current charts place the system much lower than originally predicted and it has an estimated core of 935mb making it quite a beast.”

“The storm is due to affect our region throughout the course of Monday.  Disruption to travel and power networks are possible along with localised flooding, with more bad weather on the way later this week.”

Ferry companies have warned of possible delays and cancellations, while the highways agency advises drivers to take care in potentially dangerous conditions. Power supplies could be disrupted, trees uprooted and buildings damaged when the storm takes hold.

The Environment Agency is urging people to stay away from exposed coastal areas and to prepare for severe weather bringing the risk of high waves and flooding to most of Southern England.

With severe gale force winds gusting up to 80m.p.h combining with large waves and high spring tides across southern and western parts of the British Isles from early Monday morning.  The Environment agency has opened its national incident room and is working closely with local government and emergency services to ensure coastal areas are prepared as the wind and waves escalate.

Environment Agency Director of Operations, Paul Leinster said:

There will be a potent cocktail of strong winds, wave action and high tides tonight through until Wednesday.

“The gale force winds will combine with spring high tides to significantly elevate the water levels along the coast by up to 1.5 metres over normal levels which is likely to cause some flooding. Strong winds initially from the south are expected, then shifting to the west during the Monday causing severe gales, with further gales forecast for later in the day, right through until Wednesday.

The timing of these weather systems with high tide is crucial. Anyone living in low lying exposed coastal areas should make sure they are monitoring the situation by checking flood updates on the Environment Agency website or ringing Floodline.

“We understand that people are fascinated by the sea but at times like this we do urge them not to go and watch the high waves it is extremely dangerous and only takes a few seconds for someone to be knocked off their feet, into the water.

The Met Office and Environment Agency are continually monitoring the forecast. People are advised to stay in touch with the latest weather forecast and warnings on the website Click HERE: Environment Agency or by contacting Floodline on 08459 88 1188.

Isle of Wight Community News and Information @Island Pulse.