DOWNPOURS are expected to cause flooding with water levels set to rise.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert in Patcham, Brighton.

This follows the city being put under yellow weather warnings for both wind and rain by the Met Office.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Groundwater levels are still higher than average and remain close to the surface.

"Further heavy rain is forecast this afternoon.

"It is predicted that by this afternoon groundwater levels will begin to rise again at the Ladies Mile borehole.

"It is possible groundwater flood impacts will affect basements again, by next weekend, starting January 18.

"We will continue to monitor levels and forecasts and liaise with Brighton and Hove City Council.

"Please remain prepared for the possibility of the risk of flooding to return next week. We will update this message when we hope to have greater clarity in the weather forecast and how high groundwater may rise following the forecast and measured rain."

There is also a flood alert in place in "coastal areas of Rustington to Shoreham".

The agency advised people in areas affected by flood alerts to "prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents" and "check flood warnings".