Sussex battered by wind and rain (From The Argus)

Sussex battered by wind and rain

9:59am Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News By Peter Truman

Trees were toppled and travel disrupted as Sussex experienced another day of severe weather.

Gusts of up to 70mph battered the county as rain lashed down, causing major traffic problems.

Flooding on the A27 in Hangleton left one lane closed while a fallen tree on the A27 at Crossbush caused further delays.

A tree smashed onto a lorry in Horsham Road, Crawley. A Sussex Police spokesman said the lorry, which was carrying gas canisters, was struck at 3.50pm.

No one was injured and the canisters did not explode.

Trees in the churchyard at St Nicholas in Dyke Road, Brighton, were blown down by the high winds at about 7am.

Meanwhile, emergency services were called to the A273 at Pyecombe at 5.40pm yesterday to deal with another fallen tree.

There were no reports of any vehicles being damaged or of anyone being hurt.

Trees were also brought down in Stream Lane, Sedlescombe and Sea Road in Fairlight.

The Met Office had issued an amber severe weather warning for yesterday with high winds and heavy rain sweeping across the county before clearing in the evening.

But it has issued a further yellow warning for rain for today and tomorrow. Heavy rain is forecast today with the possibility of flooding.

Tomorrow will see further heavy and prolonged showers together with gusty winds up to 30mph.

The Environment Agency has warned people to remain vigilant in the face of possible flooding.

Both the RAC and AA reported an increase in callouts in the poor weather and the Highways Agency has issued guidance to drivers.

A spokesperson said: |“Drivers are advised to plan their journeys before setting out, check the weather and traffic conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.

“There are times during sudden and torrential downpours when standing water can collect on carriageways and residual water can result in very thick spray.

“Drivers should slow down in wet conditions and take extra care.

“Driving too quickly through water can cause aquaplaning and loss of control of your vehicle which can lead to accidents.”