A red flood warning has been issued following torrential rain.

The Environment Agency are urging residents to “act now” after half a month’s rain was recorded at Buxted, near Uckfield this morning.

The authority said the River Uck, which flows through Uckfield and into the River Ouse, is “high and rising”.

People are being urged to turn off their gas, water and electricity, move things upstairs or to safety and move family and pets to safety.

It comes as a yellow weather warning was issued by The Met Office from midnight to 3pm today.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Nearly half a month's rain has been recorded (40mm) at Buxted. From 09.00am on today, flooding will affect fields, rural roads, gardens and riverside properties through Buxted, near the White Hart pub and areas around Hempstead Mill on Hempstead Lane, Uckfield.

“A further 15mm of rain is expected Thursday morning, before a drier period is forecast around midday Thursday.

The Argus: Red warning for flooding from the River UckRed warning for flooding from the River Uck (Image: Environment Agency)

“The river should begin to fall by 3.00pm today. Flood impacts should begin to slowly ease when river levels start to fall.

“However, further rain is possible through the early hours of Friday, so river levels might not return to normal until Friday afternoon.

“Riverside properties in Buxted are encouraged to install flood protection products if you have them and take steps to reduce the impact of flooding. We continue to monitor the levels and forecast.”