Clean-up begins after 'devastating' flash flooding

A clean-up is continuing after parts of the Isle of Wight were hit by flash-flooding following heavy rainfall.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it received multiple calls from across the island, especially in Ryde and Cowes, regarding flooded homes from 18:15 BST on Thursday.

Images from East Cowes showed large amounts of water in the roads and residents in Cowes could be seen putting sandbags outside their properties.

Councillor for East Cowes, Karl Love, said the damage to homes and businesses was "quite significant".

Cowes was among the locations to report flooded properties

Sainsbury's supermarket in Newport was closed after it suffered damage caused by the rain.

Island Roads, which manages the island's road network, said it had received more than 50 calls relating to flash-flooding - including manhole and drain covers lifting.

A statement said: "Since last night we have been removing a large amount of debris from the highway.

"Much of this is stones washed onto the network from unmade roads and gravel paths."

It added that sandbag stores in East Cowes, Cowes and Ryde had all been opened the previous day, given the forecast of heavy rain.

Sandbags remained in place on Friday morning

Among those cleaning up on Cowes High Street was Katie Clark who works at the Henri-Lloyd clothing store. She said the downpour was "utterly torrential".

She described efforts by business owners to prevent water from entering properties.

"It was pretty horrendous, I was up to my knees in water," she said.

"We got the stock off the floor and managed to unclog some of the drains. We were very lucky – another five minutes and we would have been flooded.

"The spirit of community is incredible – it was all hands to the pump."

Business owners were clearing up after the flash-flooding

Mr Love said the sudden heavy rainfall "completely caught us out".

"One minute we had blue skies - the next it was like turning the tap on in the shower. It was pretty awful and it's awful for the people being impacted.

"Yes, drains need to be kept clear, but you just can't cater for that kind of water coming down in that volume.

"The ground was so dry... it had nowhere to go and when you live on the side of a hill like Cowes, then down it comes.

"Within half an hour the clouds had all gone but the devastation left behind is quite significant."

Roads in East Cowes were under water

The Environment Agency said flooding had been reported on the mainland as well as the Isle of Wight.

It said: "This flooding was caused by rainfall over a very short period which overwhelmed surface water drains.

"Surface water levels are already dropping, and no further significant rainfall is forecast today and over the weekend."

Organisers of the annual Cowes Week yachting regatta, which begins on Saturday, said the event would not be affected.