TORRENTIAL rainfall has sparked flood alerts across the county.

Environment Agency bosses have issued red and yellow alerts to residents across Sussex as rivers could burst their banks.

Already there is travel chaos, as rivers and streams north of Gatwick have forced trains to stop as lines are flooded.

In total there are 22 warnings across East and West Sussex.

Forecasters are warning that floods could happen as river water levels are already high, and more downpours are on the way tonight.

There are 12 red warnings to residents, including in the villages of Buxted, Isfield, and Barcombe along the River Uck.

A red warning is also in place for Hellingly and Horsebridge near Hailsham, Crowhurst, Freshfield Bridge to Sharpsbridge, Lindfield, Lindfield Bridge, and at Slaugham to Ardingly.

Meanwhile near Gatwick there are red warnings for the Burstow Stream north and east of Horley, the River Mole at Charlwood and Hookwood, and the Kidbrooke Stream at Forest Row.

The Environment Agency has also issued amber warnings for residents along the river Arun, the upper course of the River Adur (east and west), Loxwood Stream, the Upper Ouse, Combe Haven near St Leonards, and the Cuckmere River.