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Swathes of Sussex flooded after heavy rainfall

Eddie Mitchell The flooded area around Barcombe Mills Road in Lewes, East Sussex, following huge rainfall on Sunday 5 January. Water has risen up in a number of fields and a number of trees and bushes can be seen peaking out from the flooded area.Eddie Mitchell
A flood warning remains in place at Barcombe Mills near Lewes following Sunday's rain

A number of areas across East and West Sussex remain affected by flooding after heavy rain over the weekend.

The Met Office yellow warning for rain covering the county expired at 09:00 GMT on Monday.

However as of 15:00 seven flood warnings remained in place across West and East Sussex, while 25 flood alerts are also still active.

As of the same time 173 flood warnings were in effect across England meaning flooding was imminent.

Flood warnings remain in place for the Western Rother at Lodsbridge and Fittleworth, Barcombe Mills on the River Ouse and Alfriston on the River Cuckmere.

The Cuckmere and Bull rivers are high but levels are now falling in Hellingly. Flooding is likely to affect Alfriston until Tuesday.

As of 09:00 on Monday the water levels in the River Ouse were still very high despite slowly falling following Sunday's rain, the Environment Agency said.

Flooding will continue to be extensive across surrounding fields, with Barcombe Mills Road and Anchor Lane likely to be impassable.

The flooding could continue in Barcombe until Tuesday afternoon. Another 10-20mm of rain is forecast on Wednesday and again on Friday, which could cause levels to rise again.

George Carden/BBC Flooding on the A29 Shripney Road in Bognor Regis, West Sussex. Cars, and one lorry, can be seen travelling through extensive rainwater in both directionsGeorge Carden/BBC
George Carden/BBC Flooding on the B2138 Lower Street Roadnear Fittleworth, West Sussex. A lorry can be seen driving through extensive rainfall on the road, which is flanked by houses to the leftGeorge Carden/BBC
The A29 Shripney Road in Bersted following heavy flooding
The B2138 Lower Street Road near Fittleworth following heavy flooding

As of 05:00 on Monday the Environment Agency warned that the Western Rother was high and rising.

The B2138 Lower Street Road, over the river at Fittleworth, could be affected by flood water. The river should begin to fall by 15:00 on Monday, the Environment Agency said.

Flooding is causing disruption on the A29 at Pulborough and flood water is affecting gardens and properties on Lower Street and Swan Corner near Swan Bridge.

A total of 50mm (2 inches) of rain - nearly half a month's worth - has been recorded since Saturday.

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