Storm Ciarán: Isle of Wight residents brace for more heavy rain

Isle of Wight residents are bracing for Storm Ciarán less than a week after being hit by widespread flooding.

The storm is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain across southern England when it arrives on Thursday.

Isle of Wight Council has issued a series of advice and warnings after roads were left impassable, trains stopped operating and homes were left damaged on Wednesday last week.

The Met Office is predicting gusts of up to 80mph (128km/h)

It has issued an amber wind warning, valid on Thursday from 06:00 GMT until 20:00.

This is in addition to a yellow wind warning that has already been issued, valid between 21:00 on Wednesday and midnight on Thursday.

Isle of Wight Council announced changes across waste services as a result of the flooding.

In a statement, the authority said collection crews were currently monitoring affected roads.

It said for the next two weeks, in flood impacted areas only, there would be an allowance for two additional black bags of side waste and extra food waste collections.

The authority also said while van permits are still required, people will not have to wait for the physical permit to be issued for immediate visits to the household waste and recycling centres.

It has also urged residents not to attempt to dry out soft furnishings impacted by flood water due to the risk of contamination.

The statement added: "Please take care. As well as damage to properties, flood water can present a health concern if you come into contact with it.

"Flooding can have longer-term negative effects on your mental health and wellbeing, as well as respiratory health due to exposure to mould and damp."

The Environment Agency is continuing to advise island residents to take care to protect themselves and their property.

It comes after some parts of the Isle of Wight saw 97mm of rain on Tuesday evening, which led to flooding on Wednesday morning.

The Environment Agency faced criticism from residents in Ryde who said the island was unprepared.

The organisation has since said it will be conducting a wider review to ensure its "response is as effective as it can be and that any lessons are learnt".

An Environment Agency spokesperson warned river levels were likely to remain elevated, along with the weather continuing to be unsettled.

They recommended staying updated on the flood risk online.

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