Soggy Sussex is bracing itself for floods after weathermen warned residents to prepare for the worst.

Heavy rain on Thursday night caused flash floods in Rottingdean yesterday and experts warned water levels were likely to rise even further.

Forecasters said some parts of the county could be deluged with 30mm of rain last night and this morning.

There is also a chance of gale force winds hitting the area, which could cause large waves along the coast.

To make things worse, next week sees the peak of high spring tides which, together with the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds, could mean the risk of flooding in coastal areas is increased.

One woman who was forced out of her home by flooding in June is calling on residents to prepare for trouble.

Jane Smeaton, who formed the West Felpham Flood Action Assembly, is now living in a caravan with her husband in her front garden in Felpham.

She said: “We have lived in Felpham for 16 years and have never been flooded. We never imagined it would happen to us.

“It is now filthy in the house, plaster has been stripped off, there is brick dust everywhere and some floorboards are up.

“You don’t know what it is like to be flooded until it happens.

“We won’t be back into our home until after Christmas. If you don’t have insurance, the cost could finish you off. It could absolutely ruin you.”

It comes as the county picks up the pieces from the St Jude storm on Monday, when winds of up to 90mph hit the county, leaving thousands of homes without power and causing widespread travel chaos.

There will be a brief respite from the rain on Saturday but further heavy downpours are also predicted for Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Alison Baptiste, regional flood and coastal risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “With more unsettled weather forecast for those areas already impacted by Monday’s storm, together with the high spring tides, there could be a lot of water in coastal areas.

“Those who live in an area vulnerable to flooding should think about the precautions they can take to limit damage.”

For advice call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.