Storm Ciarán: Alfriston Emergency Group preparing for weather

Alfriston Emergency Group has already rescued people from three cars stranded in flood water as part of its yearly efforts around the Cuckmere River near Seaford.

But the group said it will not be putting its volunteers’ lives at risk on Thursday as winds potentially exceed 85mph due to Storm Ciarán.

The group were busy during Storm Eunice in February last year. They pump water from low lying areas of the village every year to prevent National Trust site the Clergy House from flooding.

Cars driving through flood water near Alfriston (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Steve Woodgate, chairman of the group, said: “At the moment we do not know because the track of Storm Ciarán has changed. I am not prepared to commit people out in winds that strong. If we get calls during that weather, we will call emergency services. This is the calm before the storm.

“We are urging people not to drive into flood water. We have already rescued people from three cars.

“The river has dropped about half a metre since yesterday. However the water is rising in the coach park because of issues with the drains.

Flooding in Lullington looking towards Alfriston (Image: Alfriston Emergency Group)

“I know Cuckmere Buses took the decision to suspend their buses because they don’t want to risk getting them stuck. We are on standby and monitoring the situation.

“We have Storm Ciarán coming on Thursday. As soon as we can, we need to look at pumping behind the Clergy House."

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind on Thursday from 6am to 8pm.

The weather service has warned that Storm Ciaran could bring down power lines and trees and send debris flying, which could result in a “danger to life”.

There is also the potential for large waves and beach material to be thrown onto the seafront.