Hundreds of people mopping up after their homes and businesses were wrecked by flooding faced further misery today as forecasters warned of storms and more heavy rain on the way.

Weather experts predicted an inch of rain early tomorrow, just as river levels in the South East were returning to normal.

The Environment Agency said downpours due to hit East Sussex could bring more flooding because river catchments remain full.

In Lewes, which saw the worst floods for more than 40 years when the River Ouse burst its banks, residents of Cliffe High Street were starting the long process of clearing up.

Environment Agency spokeswoman Jo Warburton said: "Rivers are getting back to normal but there is a new problem in that an inch of rain is expected in the early hours of tomorrow.

"Our flood defence experts say it is difficult to say what effect it will have. It depends where it falls and its intensity. The feeling is that the river catchments may have receded enough to take the extra pressure but we are urging people to remain vigilant.

"The long-term forecast is also bleak, with a nasty storm showing on the radar which might hit the South on Friday.

"The message is that things are improving but we're not out of the woods yet. Our staff are still working 24 hours."

Homeowners were warned to be on their guard against bogus builders looking to cash in on the widespread devastation.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Residents and shopkeepers can return in the Cliffe area of Lewes but we are asking people to be on the look out for bogus cowboy builders scouting for work.

"We believe we are going to get a lot of residents being approached by such people.

"Several thousand leaflets have been printed and distributed by the local council warning of bogus builders."

A flood warning is still in force for the River Rother.

Floods Hotline: 0845 9881188