- Environment Agency Alerts: Five flood alerts are currently active across Sussex, including Aldingbourne, Barnham Rifes, and Polegate.
- Weather Warning: A Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning was in place on Tuesday, 27 August, with rainfall totals reaching up to 75mm in some areas.
Environment Agency issues Sussex flood alerts following heavy rain
The Environment Agency has issued five flood alerts across East and West Sussex following heavy downpours on Tuesday, 27 August. The move follows a period of intense rain that has hit the South Coast. Officials have identified specific areas where water levels are expected to rise quickly, posing a risk to low-lying land and local roads.
According to the Environment Agency, the alert areas include the Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes, Scrase Bridge and West Common Streams, and the areas surrounding Polegate and Wannock. Residents living near these watercourses have been advised to stay alert as drainage systems deal with the sudden rainfall. While earlier reports suggested a period of stability, including Chichester Flood Risk: Zero Severe Warnings in West Sussex, the recent change in the weather has forced an update to local safety advice.
Yellow thunderstorm warning and rainfall totals
The rain causing these alerts was part of a Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning, which was in place for both East and West Sussex between 2am and 8am. Forecasters recorded widespread rainfall totals of 30-40mm across the county. However, due to the scattered nature of the storm cells, some local peaks reached as high as 75mm.
The intensity of the rain was made worse by other conditions. The Met Office confirmed that lightning strikes and hail were observed during the peak of the storm. These conditions have affected visibility on the roads and led to concerns regarding potential power cuts for local homes and businesses. Members of the public can check the latest status of their specific area by visiting the official portal to check for flooding in West Sussex.
Impact on infrastructure and safety advice
In addition to the threat of rising water, the Environment Agency and emergency services are monitoring the impact of the storms on the power grid. The combination of lightning and heavy rain can often lead to local power outages. Those in the affected alert areas are encouraged to ensure mobile devices are charged and to avoid travel through deep standing water on local roads.
The weather remains unpredictable, and the Met Office continues to update its forecasts. For the latest information regarding conditions and safety, residents are advised to consult the UK Weather Warnings page. The Environment Agency continues to monitor river levels at Barnham and Scrase Bridge, with updates expected if water levels fail to drop as the tide changes.