LIVE TRAVEL: Storm Eunice is causing problems for travel on the Island and across the Solent this morning (Friday).
Scroll down for the most recent updates at the bottom of the page...
Southern Vectis has said that due to a number of school closures across the Island, routes 59, 62, 63, 67, 68 will not operate.
Also, due to the predicted high winds on Military Road today, route 12 buses will not be able to serve Freshwater Bay, Military Road or Brook Chine. Your nearest stops will be Brook Triangle and School Green Road.
UPDATED - 6.50am
A tree has fallen on Combley Road at Havenstreet, just on the sharp bend before the railway station. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.
⛔ Hovertravel services are cancelled. An update is expected at 1.15pm.
Services are cancelled due to adverse weather. Next Update at 1315. Due to the severity of the weather warning, we suggest customers check that the alternative cross Solent travel options on our disruption contingency plan webpage are operating before starting their journey*
— Hovertravelltd (@HovertravelLtd) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 7.30am
The Main Road at Havenstreet has now been closed following the report of a tree down earlier. Contractors (Groundsells) will be attending to remove the tree.
Meanwhile, Wight Wight Sports and Community Centre will be closed today (Friday) due to the adverse weather, and is hoping to reopen tomorrow morning.
UPDATE — 7.40pm
⛔ All waste collections have been suspended for today.
All waste collections today are suspended. Please take your waste back into your property and secure it so it doesn't blow about. Lynnbottom is closed today (Fri) only for household waste, but open tomorrow (Sat). See our website: https://t.co/jzL87z0Icc#iwnews #IsleofWight pic.twitter.com/PDrqhl2Zxz
— IOW Council Official (@iwight) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 7.44am
Red Jet optimistically says it expects 'possible disruption' with 100mph winds forecast.
Please note: Due to Storm Eunice we are expecting possible disruption to our Red Jet service today. Please check https://t.co/ATPd8LZC7I service-status/ for live updates.
— RF Service News (@RF_Travel_News) February 18, 2022
Please note: Due to Storm Eunice we are expecting possible disruption to our Vehicle Ferry service today. Please check https://t.co/ATPd8LZC7I service-status/ for live updates.
— RF Service News (@RF_Travel_News) February 18, 2022
If you haven't seen our list of school closures you can check it out by clicking this link: https://www.iwradio.co.uk/news/isle-of-wight-news/live-isle-of-wight-school-closures-as-storm-eunice-hits/
UPDATE — 8.05am
College main site open
The Isle of Wight College's main site in Newport will be open today, with mock exams going ahead, and it will be monitored throughout the day.
C-Cam in Whippingham will be shut.
Pathways, based on the Newport site, will also be closed.
Friends of the Animals opening this morning
Friends of the Animals charity shop in Sandown will be open this morning, but say they will continue to 'play it by ear'.
UPDATE — 8.09am
⛔ A reminder that all bin collections have been cancelled today.
UPDATE — 8.12am
Island Road crews are still working hard to remove the tree blocking the road at Havenstreet main road.
A spokesperson said:
"The road is currently closed but we hope to have it open again as soon as we can."
UPDATE — 8.19am
Here's a look at the weather warning in full courtesy of the Met Office.
UPDATE — 8.21am
⛔ Wightlink's Lymington to Yarmouth service has now been cancelled.
UPDATE — 8.26am
⛔ The Commercial Waste and Recycling Centre at Lynnbottom is closed today...
The Commercial Waste and Recycling Centre at Lynnbottom is closed today because of the weather, as is the household waste recycling.
— IOW Council Official (@iwight) February 18, 2022
Subject to potential damage the site is planned to reopen Saturday 19 February.#iwnews #IsleofWight pic.twitter.com/FjCU0kpqyI
UPDATE — 8.30am
⛔ Sewing Repair Alteration on Ryde's High Street will be closed today.
⛔ The pop-up vaccination clinic in Ryde is also cancelled.
Unfortunately, we've had to cancel today's pop-up vaccination clinics due to #StormEunice.
— solentnhstrust (@SolentNHSTrust) February 18, 2022
❌St Mary's Fire Station #Southampton
❌Saints Pub, Millbrook #Southampton
❌Community Room, Oakfield School, Ryde #IOW
Clinics will be rearranged soon. @SouthamptonCC @iwight
UPDATE — 8.47am
Council run leisure centres in Ryde, Sandown and Newport will remain open as things stand.
Service update: All council-run leisure centres are currently open.#iwnews #IsleOfWight
— IOW Council Official (@iwight) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 9.27am
There are further travel updates from the Island's ferry companies:
Due to Storm Eunice, we are experiencing severe weather conditions today. We recommend checking our service status before you travel ⬇️https://t.co/sCKlt5AiXS
— Wightlink Travel (@WightlinkTravel) February 18, 2022
Please note: Due to the high winds of Storm Eunice all our services are now suspended until further notice. The safety of our passengers and teams is our number one priority.
— RF Service News (@RF_Travel_News) February 18, 2022
UPDATE 9.30am
Main Road Havenstreet has now reopened following work to clear a tree blocking the road earlier.
UPDATE — 9.44am
- Sewing Repair Alteration on Ryde's High Street will be closed today.
- All libraries are reported to be open.
UPDATE — 9.45am
🚢 Red Funnel statement 🚢
“Due to the high winds from Storm Eunice, all Red Funnel Services are now suspended.
"The safety of our passengers and teams is our number one priority. Please check Red Funnel service status: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/
UPDATE — 9.54am
⚠️ Island Roads are reporting a leaning tree on Newport's Watergate Road. ⚠️
Reports of a tree leaning into the road on Watergate Road, Newport near to Marvel Lane. Our crews are on their way to investigate #StormEunice #IsleofWight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 9.56am
Travel updates from Wightlink and Southern Vectis:
Morning. The Ports-Fish car ferry and the Hbr-Ryde FastCat are currently running on time despite Storm Eunice. Our Lym-Yar service is suspended but we'll keep you updated throughout the day. Stay safe today. Thank you.
— Wightlink Ferries (@wightlinkferry) February 18, 2022
Routes 22 and 24 have been suspended for today. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) February 18, 2022
Update — 10.06am
⛔ Covid test centre closed ⛔
Due to Storm Eunice, Newclose COVID test centre is closed today. Appointments will be available tomorrow.
— Isle of Wight NHS Trust (@IOWNHS) February 18, 2022
To book a COVID test➡️https://t.co/Hd97p2wYoC
UPDATE — 10.09am
Island Roads is reporting that cables are blowing across the road at Limerstone Road, Shorwell.
Crews are on their way to investigate.
UPDATE — 10.26am
⚠️🚦 Traffic lights near to Northwood garage and Stag Inn Pub on Cowes Road are not working.
UPDATE — 10.29am
⛔ Shanklin library is closed this morning, and there will be a review at lunchtime before deciding whether to remain closed for the rest of the day.
UPDATE — 10.32am
⚠️ An emergency road closure has been put in place at Nunnery Lane, Newport from its junction with Marvel Lane to Whitcombe Road to Marvel Road as a precautionary measure due to a tree leaning into the road.
In addition, reports of cables down at Limerstone Road have been investigated and the cables (which were BT cables) have been made secure.
UPDATE — 10.42am
⚠️ A fallen tree is partially blocking Sandown's Winford Road, with drivers recommended to take a different route if possible.
UPDATE — 10.43am
💨 Meanwhile, Isle of Wight DJ and music festival guru has been braving the weather with his family at the Needles.
Mild breeze down at The Needles 😱💨⚠️ pic.twitter.com/BgVXJ18Sm0
— Rob da Bank (@RobdaBank) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 10.48am
⛔ Wightlink latest:
Due to Storm Eunice, the 1000 & 1200 sailings from Gunwharf and the 1100 & 1300 sailings form Fishbourne have been cancelled this morning. Booked customers will be contacted to advise of an amended sailing time. We'll keep you updated with any further changes.
— Wightlink Ferries (@wightlinkferry) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 10.51am
🦖 It's not only humans and domestic pets being affected by Storm Eunice...
Oh no…#StormEunice has blown our pet dinosaur Ellie over despite the chains that hold her down ☹️ #iwnews pic.twitter.com/yz5S5KDIY4
— Chale Bay Farm (@ChaleBayFarm) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 10.53am
⚠️ The sea is breaching the wall at Gates Lane, Freshwater Bay, and running down the bank onto the highway.
Flood boards have been deployed.
UPDATE — 10.55am
⚠️ Island Roads updates ⚠️
Tree down blocking road at Pellhurst Road, Ryde (Upton Road end, near the Wellbeing Centre). Crews on their way.
Tree down blocking section of Undercliff Drive, opposite Barrington Lodge. Crews attending.
UPDATE — 11am
Take extra care driving in Freshwater and Totland.
These images show the high number of roadworks there are areas where roadwork fencing, signs and cones have blown into the roads causing hazards to traffic as well as blocking walk ways & exposing holes in pavements.
UPDATE — 11.04am
🔌 Reports suggests a power cut at Gurnard Pines.
UPDATE — 11.07am
⚠️ A tree is down on Calbourne Road.
Thanks to Shannon for the picture.
⚠️ The windows at Ryde Theatre have blown out onto the road and parked vehicles.
Lind Street, Ryde theatre windows have blown out onto the road and parked vehicles. ≈Please take care due to broken glass. Crews on their way. #StormEunice #isleofwight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
There are also trees down on Undercliff Drive and Church Road, Shanklin. On Lower Road, Adgestone, a dead tree is hanging on SSE cables.
UPDATE — 11.13am
⚠️ Island Roads says a large wall has collapsed in Atherley car park, Shanklin, causing some damage to vehicles. Crews are in attendance.
UPDATE — 11.15am
Tree down blocking the road at Undercliff Drive outside property La Falaise. Crews attending #StormEunice #isleofwight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 11.18am
⚠️ Street... Limp.
Carisbrooke High Street, reports of a hanging streetlamp, near Newport Medical Centre. Crews attending. #StormEunice #isleofwight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 11.35am
⚠️ Another update, another tree down:
Westhill Road, Yarmouth, reports of a tree blocking the road on the hill heading down towards Fort Victoria. Crews attending. #StormEunice #isleofwight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
⚠️ And another:
Hoxall Lane, Brighstone. Pine tree has come down on the road, also bringing down power cables. SSE being informed. #StormEunice #isleofwight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 11.42am
Island Roads latest:
Hoxall Lane, Brighstone a pine tree has come down on the road and has brought down power cables. SSE are being informed and a road closure is likely to be put in place.
Calbourne Road has been closed from its junction with Betty Haunt Lane down to the roundabout by the Waverley pub due to a tree blocking the carriageway.
Westhill Road, Norton, Yarmouth – tree is blocking the carriageway on the hill as you go down to Fort Victoria.
Lushington Hill: BT telegraph pole is leaning into the road outside Lushington garage.
UPDATE — 11.47am
122mph winds recorded at the Needles!
UPDATE 11.56am
If your car is parked in Albany Road, East Cowes, move it NOW. The wind is blowing the water up the road and it will be a higher tide than expected. #iwnews #IsleofWight
— IOW Council Official (@iwight) February 18, 2022
🚨🚨🚨 URGENT - If your car is parked on Albany Road in East Cowes, you need to move it ASAP. 🚨🚨🚨
Within ten minutes the tide will be too high for you to rescue your vehicle.
UPDATE 12.12pm
Lord Louis and Ryde Libraries will close at 1pm today. Sandown, Cowes, Freshwater and Ventnor libraries will close at 12.30. #iwnews #StormEunice #isleofwight
— IOW Council Official (@iwight) February 18, 2022
🚨 UPDATE 12.23pm 🚨
Flood water is starting to build up in Yarmouth, with Quay Street and the Wightlink terminal flooded, and water starting to build up around the roundabout onto River Road.
Take care driving - photo courtesy of Freshwater Fire Station.
UPDATE — 12.34pm
Island Roads latest:
Gatcombe Village Road: A tree has fallen across the road close to Newbarn Cottage. Crews on their way.
High Street, Ventnor: Roof tiles are blowing off a property into the road. Crews attending. Please avoid the area.
UPDATE - 12.55pm
Tesco Extra in Ryde (big Tesco) is closed.
UPDATE — 12.57pm
Regarding footage of a Red Falcon vessel being affected by the strong winds, Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said:
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and due to Storm Eunice, we made the decision this morning to suspend all services.
“On returning to Southampton with no passengers on board, Red Falcon approached the berth and experienced gusts of 80 knots causing the vessel to set down quickly onto the berth.
"Our highly trained Captain ensured the vessel was controlled throughout and berthed safely. No damage was sustained to either the vessel or shoreside infrastructure, testament to his excellent ship handling skills. We have a hugely talented team who always have safety as their primary consideration.”
All Red Funnel services currently remain suspended. Passengers are reminded not to travel to the terminal at this time.
Customers are advised to monitor Red Funnel’s live service status redfunnel.co.uk/ service-status/ and follow updates on Twitter via @RF_Travel_News.
UPDATE — 1.10pm
🚨🚨 At West Lane, Brading, outside the entrance to Nunwell House, a fallen tree is blocking the carriageway.
Police are on site and crews are on their way.
Traffic lights on Forest Road at the Gunville junction are reportedly not working due to a power cut. Island Roads crews are investigating.
UPDATE — 1.12pm
Here's the scene by the Bargeman's Rest in Newport...
🚨 The roof at Dreams on Gunville Road is feeling the impact of Storm Eunice.
Meanwhile, winds are forcing the door to the ambulance service station to come off.
UPDATE — 1.15pm
🚨 Waves have breached the wall along Cowes seafront.
UPDATE — 1.32pm
In Gurnard, the waves are coming over the beach huts!
UPDATE — 1.40pm
🚨 Homeowners across the Island will be surveying the damage caused today.
This is a home in Pelham Road, Cowes. Credit: Facebook.
UPDATE — 1.44pm
⚠️ Island Roads latest:
- Pine Tree Close, Cowes: A large tree has come down across the road and is resting on the side of a house.
- Golf Links Road, Sandown: A large tree is hanging over the carriageway by the waterworks.
UPDATE — 1.57pm
Isle of Wight Radio has been contacted by Tom Peach, who is currently sat on The Red Eagle waiting to leave Southampton (see pic below).
The liquid refreshment will hopefully aid his journey across.
He said:
"(I've) been sat on the Red Eagle for almost an hour now waiting to leave port.
"The Captain said we be leaving at 1.30pm, but later informed us their sister ship isn’t able to leave berth in Southampton so we’re stuck until we hear more!"
UPDATE — 2.05pm
Both sections of Undercliff Drive where fallen trees were reported earlier have been cleared and are reopen.
The streetlamp reported hanging in Carisbrooke has been resolved.
Hill Lane is now reopen following clearance of a large tree from the carriageway.
A large branch is reportedly hanging over the carriageway on Yarmouth Road, Boudnor. Island Roads says its staff are on the way.
UPDATE — 2.12pm
We're being urged to stay away from the coastline.
Here's the scene on East Cowes seafront this afternoon. (Photo and video thanks to Karl Love).
UPDATE — 2.16pm
Low branch hanging over the carriageway at Whiteley Bank, says Island Roads.
It's on the left hand side as drivers head towards Shanklin.
While High Street, Newport (by EE and Boots) there roof tiles blowing off into the road and pavement.
UPDATE — 2.53pm
The Environment Agency has issued a message:
Flood Warning no longer in force for Cowes, East Cowes, and Newport. The situation is improving and no further flooding is expected in this area.
The tide level is now reducing and property flooding is no longer expected.
Tomorrow lunchtime (Saturday), the tide level will be a little higher than normal, and strong winds and large waves may cause minor impact flooding to promenades and sea front car parks. A Flood Alert will remain in force for the Isle of Wight coast.
UPDATE — 3.01pm
More trees are falling, so be careful if you're planning to drive today.
Coach Lane Brading:
Porchfield:
UPDATE — 3.05pm
Statement from Tapnell farm:
"All our attractions at Tapnell are closed today and, owing to the exceptionally strong winds and damage caused in some areas, will now remain closed tomorrow too.
"Attractions include Farm Park, Football Golf, Archery & Axe Throwing."
UPDATE — 3.19pm
Island Roads latest:
- Oak Hill Road, Pondwell reports of a fallen tree across the carriageway.
- Ryde Theatre, roof tiles reportedly falling off onto the highway.
- Froglands Lane, Newport. Tree cleared and road now reopen.
UPDATE — 3.42pm
Emergency closure is in place on Ventnor, High Street, following earlier reports of falling roof tiles.
An emergency road closure is in force on Watergate Road, following earlier reports of a tree leaning over the carriageway.
An emergency road closure has been put in place at Watergate Lane following earlier reports of a tree overhanging the highway #StormEunice #IsleofWight #travelalerts pic.twitter.com/LIFGuXbE3P
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
There have also been reports of a fallen tree blocking the carriageway at the junction of Doctor’s Lane and Mill Lane, Shorwell.
Egypt Hill, Cowes is also shut.
UPDATE — 4.19pm
Southern Vectis says its bus services are now back up and running, following the earlier suspension.
The wind levels have started to subside to a safe level & are therefore now in a position to resume running buses. Route 6 buses, however will remain suspended for the remainder of the day. Please take a look our live running times on our website or App for the latest live times.
— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 4.30pm
Lushington Hill remains closed this afternoon.
Drivers heading to Ryde are being advised to go via Staplers.
We have been advised that Lushington Hill remains closed this afternoon. As a result, any customers wishing to travel between Ryde and East Cowes will need to catch a route 9 towards Newport and change for a number 5. Route 4 will remain suspended until the road reopens.
— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 4.33pm
When it's not your day, it's not your day - ask these chaps.
When it's not your day, it's really not your day. Just ask these chaps at Compton... 😬😆 Shout out to all those working in Storm Eunice today 👏 (Video thanks to Paul Manning)
Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Friday, February 18, 2022
UPDATE — 4.37pm
There's a tree down at Knighton Shute, blocking the road.
Reports of a tree down at Knighton Shute blocking the road. Crews are on their way. #StormEunice #IsleofWight #travelalerts
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) February 18, 2022
The following roads have now reopened, though.
- Pellhurst Road, Ryde
- Church Road, Shanklin
- Whitecross Lane, Lake.