Flood risk across Isle of Wight
On the Isle of Wight, the Medina estuary and the island's coast bring tidal flood risk to Newport, Cowes and Yarmouth, while the Eastern Yar can flood low-lying land around Sandown and Brading. Surface water from heavy rain affects towns and villages across the island, and parts of the south coast are prone to coastal erosion and landslips.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of Isle of Wight Council and landowners.
River Medina – Newport and Cowes
Eastern Yar – Sandown and Bembridge
Western Yar – Yarmouth and Freshwater
Lukely Brook – Joins the Medina in Newport
Who manages flood risk here
Isle of Wight Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same council also decides planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
