TORRENTIAL rain caused major disruption to roads, rail, flights and even flooded a Tesco supermarket yesterday.

It came as Sussex was issued with thunderstorm warnings by The Met Office from Monday to Wednesday.

Roads were left with inches of surface water after rain bucketed down most of the day.

A Tesco Superstore in Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill, saw flooding at its entrance in the afternoon.

The Argus: Shoppers doing their best to avoid getting soggy feet at TescoShoppers doing their best to avoid getting soggy feet at Tesco

Emma Charlesworth, 35, who went shopping at the supermarket, said: “It started to go in through the doors and it had become completely under water.

“Within a couple of minutes the flood water started to come down from the car park.

“They had opened the fire doors to try and sweep water out.”

Lullington Road near Alfriston was partially flooded, as was Eastbourne Road in Willingdon, near Eastbourne.

There was also surface water flooding near the Drusillas Roundabout at the A27.

Southern Rail had to cancel trains for almost two hours after heavy rain caused ballast on the track to become loose close to Glynde station, near Ringmer.

The Eastbourne line was reopened at around 6pm.

A Southern spokesman told The Argus: “Some ballast beside the track near Glynde has been reported as having been dislodged by heavy rain, and some lines have closed while Network Rail engineers carry out a safety inspection.

The Argus: Ballast became loose near Glynde Station, picturedBallast became loose near Glynde Station, pictured

“We're sorry that trains may be delayed by up to 30 minutes, and disruption is expected to continue until at least 5.30pm.

"Passengers whose journeys have been delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim delay repay compensation.”

Gatwick Airport also announced that it would see delays and even cancellations for some flights due to “poor weather conditions”.

The Argus: Gatwick Airport warned of flight delays and cancellationsGatwick Airport warned of flight delays and cancellations

There were around 25 flights delayed from departing the airport. While dozens of arriving flights were delayed and around 40 were cancelled.

It is unclear if all cancellations and delays were due to the weather.

Muster Green in Haywards Heath flooded on Monday.

The Met Office warned that flooding of homes and businesses is “likely”.

A spokesman added: “It could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.”