URGENT warnings have been issued as several areas of Sussex are told to expect flooding.

Storms continue to sweep across the South East today bringing heavy rain to the county.

The Argus:

Two areas have been advised to take "immediate action" as flooding is expected.

These are Bosham and West Itchenor and the East Sussex coast at Denge Marsh.

A spokesman for the Government's flood warning information service said: "At Bosham and West Itchenor the unsettled weather, including strong South Westerly Force six winds, will increase tide table values Tuesday by 0.24 m.

"For two hours either side of Tuesday's high tide, flooding will affect Shore Road as well as a small number of properties in Bosham High Street and along Gloucester Terrace.

"On the East Sussex coast at Denge Marsh high tides and winds have been generating large waves along the south coast, removing the shingle from Denge Beach.

"Our staff are on site to replenish the shingle and will remain on site to assess further damage. A sequence of high tides will continue to increase the risk of flooding through to Wednesday, particularly at Coastguard Cottages and Midrips Cottages, East of Jury’s Gap.

"Flooding to properties and local roads is possible during high tides.

"Our incident response staff have been liaising with the emergency services. Please be careful along the beach, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads, as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous."

 

There are also flood alerts in many areas of Sussex where "flooding is possible" and residents are warned to "be prepared".

In East Sussex these are Pevensey seafront, Seaford seafront, the coast from Fairlight to Dungeness, the coast from Sandgate to Dungeness, Shoreham Harbour, the Upper River Mole, Ifield Brook, Gatwick Stream, Burstow Stream and Salfords Stream.

The Argus:

In West Sussex these are Hayling Island, Langstone to Emsworth Harbour, Lower Arun, Selsey Bill to Elmer, Thorney Island to Bracklesham and Littlehampton Rope Walk.

The spokesman for the Government's flood warning information service said: "In Shoreham Harbour tides are higher than normal due to unsettled weather.

"The weather, with South Westerly force six wind, increases tide table values Tuesday by a surge of 0.22 m.

"For an hour either side of high tide, houseboats in the harbour will be affected. Water will be high up slipways and affect Sussex Yacht Club, Riverside Business Centre and Surry Hard. If the tide comes in higher than anticipated water may reach the A259 Brighton Road.

"On Seaford seafront, for an hour either side of high tide, localised impacts of spray overtopping may affect Marine Parade and the Esplanade.

"With smaller waves from Tuesday as well as lower tide heights from Wednesday. The risk of flooding becomes much less likely through the rest of the week."

The Argus:

The whole of Sussex remains under a yellow weather warning for rain from the Met Office, set to last until 8pm today.

A spokesman warned residents there was a "chance of disruption from flooding".

He also told residents to be prepared for "difficult driving conditions and some road closures" as well as "a chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses".

It is possible that "homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings", "fast flowing or deep floodwater could cause danger to life" and "some communities could become cut off by flooded roads".