As the Isle of Wight prepares for Storm Ciaran, emergency services and partner agencies have escalated their response status to a 'major incident'.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum (LRF) has warned of potential risk to life and damage to buildings tomorrow (Thursday).

The storm is forecast to bring heavy rain and winds of up to 85mph. 

From midnight tonight (Wednesday), the LRF, which is made up of the Isle of Wight Council and other agencies, is escalating its response.

Read more: Isle of Wight flooding and rain updates as Storm Ciaran hits

It said all partner agencies are continuing to plan ahead with arrangements to respond to weather related emergencies during this period.

Those who live or work in what are likely to be the worst affected areas are advised to travel with care avoiding, as far as possible, coastal and wooded areas whilst winds are high.

OTHER HELPFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION, ADVICE AND SUPPORT

Emergency 999 calls

  • Please use the 999 emergency number only if there is an immediate risk to life. 

Flooding

Medical assistance

Issues on roads

  • Extra highways crews are on standby to respond to the impact of Storm Ciaran and clear excess water and tree debris, prioritising main routes and routes to critical services.
  • To report a highways issue:
  • Isle of Wight roads: Highway maintenance (iow.gov.uk)

Public Health Advice

Council services and facilities

  • For information about local services or facilities that may be affected by Storm Ciaran, including adult social care services, waste collections and libraries, please check your local council webpages and look out for updates on their social media channels: Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Water and electricity services

  • The electricity network in the region is managed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.Y Look out for updates and advice on ssen.co.uk and if you lose power, please report on ssen.co.uk/powertrack or call the free power cut helpline on 105.
  • SSEN will continue to monitor this storm closely as it develops and issue regular updates.

Customers are encouraged to be prepared for the possibility of disruption to supplies by:

  • Saving the emergency power cut number - '105' - to your phone to report any loss of supply or damage to the electricity network
  • Visiting SSEN's Power Track Website to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track app
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Webchat service

The Isle of Wight Council is setting up information hubs for Islanders who have been affected by the weather and flooding.

Locations and opening times are:

  • East Cowes, The East Side Curve (next to the town hall), PO32 6RU.
  • Opening times: 2pm to 8pm, Wednesday 1 November and 10am to 8pm Thursday 2 November.
  • Sandown, The Broadway Centre, Broadway, PO36 9GG
  • Opening times: 2pm to 8pm, Wednesday 1 November and 10am to 8pm Thursday 2 November.
  • The council's contact centre number for weather advice and guidance is: (01983) 823111.