Heavy rainfall has caused widespread disruption across the Isle of Wight and parts of South Wales, with roads left impassable and train services suspended. The Met Office issued an amber warning for areas including Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight, which was in effect from 06:00 to 10:00 BST. Up to 80mm of rain was forecast for the island, where four flood warnings remain in place.
On the Isle of Wight, the Island Line Railway was flooded between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, blocking all lines and preventing train services. Motorists were stranded in severely impacted areas during the morning rush hour. An Environment Agency spokesperson urged people to check their flood risk and advised against driving through flood water, which can move vehicles in depths of only 30cm.
East Cowes councillor Karl Love described the situation as 'devastation in the town', noting that water pumps were not switched on in the flood plain. Residents were seen carrying carpets and other belongings out of their homes. A community centre housing the mobility charity Mad Aid was among the buildings damaged, with water pouring through the front door. Charity representative Kate Couch reported six to eight inches of water inside, forcing the cancellation of planned events.
The Environment Agency warnings cover areas including Ryde, Newport, Gurnard, and along the Eastern Yar at Whitwell, Wroxall, Horringford, Langbridge, and Alverstone. The Met Office extended its yellow weather warning for Wednesday to more western and north western areas, including parts of South Wales and South-West England, while moving it south in the South East.
Storm Babet has now been linked to at least seven deaths across England and Scotland, with hundreds forced to flee their homes in areas such as Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The Environment Agency reported that about 1,250 properties in England flooded during the storm. Thirteen areas broke daily rainfall records for October, including sites in Suffolk, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Northumberland, and Derbyshire.
