Flooded homes in Binstead. Picture by Robin Crossley
THE PREDICTED torrential rain that swept across the Island on Saturday caused localised flooding.
Three teams of firefighters were called out to Binstead at around 4.30pm, responding to floods to some properties in the area.
Although the flooding is now subsiding, fire crews from Ryde and Newport are using pumps to displace large amounts of flood water to a nearby stream.
A spokesman for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said drains had not coped with the downpour, which left two neighbouring homes in Binstead Hill flooded, as were some homes in nearby King's Road and Verwood Drive.
Firefighters are still working at the scene.
A fire crew is also currently giving scene safety on Green Lane, Shanklin, following a report that a manhole cover had collapsed because of flooding.
Isle of Wight Council highways officers were called to the scene to assess the damage and consider what action should be taken.
The Environment Agency had issued a flood alert for the Eastern Yar and its tributaries from Whitwell to Bembridge.
The organisation said further heavy rain is forecast for this evening.
The Isle of Wight Council is keeping an eye on the weather and is responding as and when required, a spokesman for the authority said.
Sandbags have been issued to people whose properties are deemed at risk of flooding.
"Engineers and contractors have been very busy all day, with calls to Binstead, Whitwell, Godshill and the Sandown and Shanklin area," the council spokesman added.
"The worst of weather should be passing, but with conditions remaining wet and, with further showers possible overnight, motorists are urged to drive carefully."
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk