THOUSANDS of commuters faced chaos on the trains after torrential rain and storms hit the already troubled network.

Trains across the county were cancelled or severely delayed throughout the day due to severe flooding on the Brighton mainline near Clapham Junction.

Overrunning engineering works between Brighton and Three Bridges in the morning added to the problems and Gatwick Express services were also affected.

The weather added to the continued problems on the network resulting in numerous cancelled services.

The heavy storms struck on Wednesday night and continued into yesterday morning.

Further storms hit the county again yesterday evening, leading to even more disruption for thousands trying to make their way home.

It also caused delays for those wanting to get back to Sussex to vote in the EU referendum.

Commuters have been warned of potential disruption again this morning because of the knock-on effect of yesterday's downpours.

About 30mm of rain fell at Gatwick on Wednesday night, more than half of the 51.6mm monthly Sussex average for June.

The heavy storms also hit Brighton and Hove, and across East Sussex, with Plumpton experiencing more than 22mm and Hastings 20mm.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue service responded to several calls including a lightning strike at two properties in Heathfield Road, Burwash.

The roofs of both homes were damaged by the strikes.

Crews also responded to flooding affecting electrics at a homes in New Town and Manor Park in Uckfield and at Framfield.

Flooding also affected a home in Church Road, St Leonards.

The Broadway in Whitehawk, Brighton, was closed after a sink hole appeared at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Initial reports suggested the hole was caused by lightning but police believe this was not the case.

A spokesman for Southern said yesterday: “This has been a very difficult morning for our passengers, for which we would like to apologise.

“Areas of track are still flooded and more localised thundery downpours with up to 2cm of rain on saturated ground is likely to create further localised flooding.

“Our trains and traincrew are severely displaced. We will do our very best to keep passengers moving and to update them with the latest information.”

Network Rail said: “We have been out in force working with heavy duty equipment to clear flood water and repair damage, and we are doing all we can to keep trains running.”

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning of more rain for Sussex last night and this morning.

The Environment Agency also issued a warning for the county.

Duty manager Jim Barker said: “Our teams are out on the ground now, supporting our partners to reduce the impacts of the heavy rain and clearing grills.

"We will keep issuing flood warnings and alerts where necessary.

"If travelling, we urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car."