No trains between Eastbourne and Lewes due to flooding

Services are not expected to be able to run between the two stations until 11am.

Southern Rail shared footage of the flooding near Polegate on social media, showing a huge volume of water cascading over the tracks.

☔️ The water is currently touching the electric third rail, meaning the power has had to be switched off in the area 👇

👷‍♀️👷‍♂️@NetworkRailSE have sourced a pump which is expected to be on site by 06.30, they'll then be able to work on getting the line reopened as soon as possible pic.twitter.com/JZRFP2uPxN

— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) December 4, 2020

A spokesman for the rail company said: "Heavy rain overnight has flooded the railway near Polegate station and it's not safe to run trains through the area.

"A pump to drain the water will be on site from 6.30am, but as the rain continues to fall and the flooding is severe, we do not expect the line to be open until later this morning.

"Trains are able to run between Hastings and Eastbourne but will not be able to travel any further.

"You can travel on Southeastern trains between Hastings and London, on their route that runs via Tunbridge Wells.

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"If you are at Eastbourne you can use your Southern rail ticket on local Brighton and Hove buses between Eastbourne and Seaford.

"Change at Seaford for trains towards Lewes and Brighton."

Rail replacement bus services operated by Brighton and Hove Buses and Regency Bus are available between Eastbourne and Lewes, and will stop at all stations in between.

"The bus journey will take roughly 45 minutes longer than the train," the Southern Rail spokesman warned.

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