Flood warnings as motorists stranded in deep water

Flood warnings have been issued across the Isle of Wight, with several roads impassable and vehicles stranded following flash flooding.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued an urgent flood warning for Carisbrooke and Hunnyhill on the Lukely Brook in Newport.

A second flood warning was put in place just before 19:30 GMT for Blackwater and Newport on the River Medina after 35mm of rain fell earlier and the EA urged residents to "act now".

Flood alerts were also in force for St John's in Ryde, the Eastern Yar, the River Medina and Gurnard Luck.

Firefighters were called to help rescue people from three vehicles which became stuck in deep water in Pondwell Hill, near Ryde.

Flooding was being reported extensively across the island on Sunday evening, with people posting on social media that they were having to abandon their vehicles.

Homes in Whitwell and Carisbrooke were the among those flooded, according to Facebook posts on the Isle of Wight Community Information Group.

Rain was forecast to continue until 22:00, with river levels and flood risks starting to reduce by 01:00, according to the EA.

A flood warning means flooding is expected and people should protect themselves and loved ones, moving to a safe place, along with pets and valuables, it said.

People are advised to move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building and turn off the gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so.

Flood protection equipment should also be put in place.

Posting on Facebook, Isle of Wight Council warned the Newport Quay Arts Centre on the Lukely Brook and the Aquatics Centre at Vicarage Walk were at risk of flooding.

Water levels would be "very high" at Caesars Road and Old Westminster Lane, it said, adding the river could burst its banks "flooding roads and parked cars".

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