A NEW flood alert covering part of a major Isle of Wight town has been issued by the Environment Agency (EA).

The EA has warned of potential flooding in the St Johns area of Ryde today (Saturday) — for Monktonmead Brook, in St Johns Road, St John’s Railway Station and Park Road.

Already at a high level, the water at Monktonmead Brook at St John’s Station is rising, amid 15mm of rain recorded for Ryde within a seven-hour period, the EA state.

"This is a modest amount but follows weeks of wet weather which is making the river much more responsive than normal," the EA added.

The rest of the day is expected to remain dry, with a risk to properties flooding not expected.

The river was predicted to have peaked at 1pm and remain high for several hours before the level finally begins to fall.

"Our operational staff are keeping the Monktonmead Brook clear of blockages," the EA said. 

“We continue to monitor the forecast. This alert will be removed by 7pm."

UPDATE 7.30PM — The Environment Agency has withdrawn its flood warning.