Further advice as more flooding possible

Posted on: October 27, 2023 at 11:51 am

With the weather forecast remaining uncertain and with the water tables high, Island Roads is reminding residents what they can do to help reduce the risk of flooding.

This week’s flooding has been caused in the main by the ‘perfect storm’ of exceptionally high rainfall coupled with high tides.

While in these circumstances, a degree of flooding is, unfortunately, to be expected, landowners are reminded of the need to keep watercourses and drainage ditches within their land well maintained and clear of debris. This is particularly so following the recent flooding where debris will have been deposited within these ditches and watercourses.

Debris that ends up the highway can also quickly block drains and culverts which can increase the likelihood of highway flooding.

Homeowners in areas prone to flooding are also being urged to take steps to protect their properties from floodwater.

While sandbags are made available at strategic locations in the events of flooding, the council does not have a statutory duty to provide residents with sandbags during a flooding incident. It is the homeowner’s or landlord’s responsibility to protect their property and they should not rely on the limited number made available in emergencies as supplies will simply be outstripped by demand in extreme flooding events.

Dave Wallis, Island Roads operations and maintenance manager said: “With the water table remaining high and the prospect of further rain during the coming days, there remains a risk of further flooding – particularly around high tides.

“It really is important that people do what they can to reduce the risk of floodwater entering the highway network. This includes ensuring watercourses within their land are free flowing and clear of debris and also that drainage ditches are well-maintained and working at optimum capacity.”

Advice on the maintenance of watercourses and ditches is available via the following link https://islandroads.com/our-highway-service/maintenance-activities/drains-ditching-and-flooding/

The Isle of Wight Council has also has a webpage giving advice on flooding. This can be found at https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/severe-weather/flooding/

Other advice is available below:

• if you need to be evacuated because of severe flooding or damage, contact the police or dial 999
• for general issues around  flooding, contact us on 01983 823600
• if you believe the flooding is from a main river or the sea, contact the Environment Agency
• the Environment Agency also provides help on flooding issues via its Floodline: 0345 988 1188
• to report flooding on the highway or drainage issues, contact Island Roads. Latest highway information appears on Island Roads’ Twitter feed @Islandroads
• notify Southern Water if flooding affects your mains sewage/public drains
• notify the National Grid to report a gas leak as the result of flooding on 0800 111 999
• notify SSE of electrical issues such as power cuts by calling 105
• for non-emergency calls pertaining to vulnerable older people, call Adult Services on 01983 823340 or 01983 821105 outside of office hours
• call NHS 111 for non-urgent health concerns.

Dave Wallis added: “We would also like to remind motorist to always drive to the conditions and to take particular care while the risk of flooding remains.”