A Waitrose supermarket has closed due to flooding after torrential rain has buffeted the South coast this morning.

The supermarket on Western Road, Brighton, has closed its doors citing the flooding which has affected nearby roads this morning.

A sign reads that the store is “remaining closed” and has apologised for the disruption caused by the weather.

The notice in the shop’s window states: “Due to flooding in store we are remaining closed currently.

The Argus: Waitrose is currently closed in Western RoadWaitrose is currently closed in Western Road (Image: Andrew Gardner | The Argus)

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The store later confirmed that the Western Road store would be re-opening imminently.

Other stores have also been affected on Western Road with staff in Poundland evacuated due to a fire.


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A firefighter on the scene spoke of a “small fire” which had broken out in a service area of the budget shop.

A yellow weather warning was issued for the whole of Sussex warning of thunderstorms in the area.

Thunder and lightning hit Brighton at around 6am this morning and torrential rain buffeted the coast causing flooding on many roads in Sussex.

The Argus: Waitrose is currently closed due to floodingWaitrose is currently closed due to flooding (Image: Andrew Gardner | The Argus)

Streets including Western Road suffered torrential downpours which caused traffic delays and other travel issues.

A Poundland spokesman said: "Our store Western Road store had some water ingress overnight.  We're currently assessing the impact of that in collaboration with the fire brigade."

Elsewhere in Brighton, Wetherspoon pub The Post and Telegraph has been closed due to "adverse weather conditions".

In a statment on the window of the store, a spokesman said: "Due to adverse weather conditions we are unable to open the venue.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to open as soon as possible.

"Please visit our other venue, the Brighthelm, on West Street.

"Thank you for your understanding."