Snow causes chaos for drivers — multiple crashes reported

Southern Vectis buses on the route seven between Newport and Alum Bay have become stranded and services have been suspended.

Southern Vectis has teams out to recover the stranded buses.

Number 7 bus stranded in Carisbrooke. Picture by Rachael Rosewell

Crashes have been reported on Staplers Road and the Middle Road.

Vehicles are reportedly being abandoned across the Island as drivers continue their journey on foot.

On Carisbrooke High Street, this is having a knock on effect for other drivers, who are trying to make their way around abandoned cars.

Isle of Wight rural police were appealing on Twitter for 4x4 drivers to help with stranded vehicles in Shalfleet near the New Inn.

Traffic is at a standstill in Shalfleet.

Traffic in Shalfleet. Picture by Alan Marriott.

UPDATE 21:54

Island Roads have reported two trees down on Middle Road.

One is near Calbourne Water Mill and the other is near Chessell Pottery.

Island Roads crews are on their way to clear them.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible.

Wightlink has had to suspend the Portsmouth to Ryde foot passenger service due to strong winds and high tides.

The ferry operator has also had to cancel sailings on the Yarmouth to Lymington route.

Hovertravel services have been off for most of the afternoon and will continue to be suspended until at least tomorrow morning.

UPDATE 22:33

Island Roads have said they will be working through the night with snow ploughs and gritters on the Island's key roads.

Gritters have been treating the road network since 2pm today.

A spokesperson for Island Roads said: "We will do our best to keep roads open but we may need to close some roads for safety reasons."