Sussex motorists warned to avoid driving in floods

Cars were caught in floods near Cooden Beach railway station in Bexhill

Emergency services are warning people in Sussex to avoid travelling through flood-water.

Crews were called out to motorists stuck in floods in Bexhill following heavy rain on Saturday.

George O'Reilly, head of protection at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said there had been "a significant number of people trapped in their cars".

"It only takes 30cm, or 12ins, of static water to cause your car to float," he said.

A small amount of water can severely damage a car engine

Mr O'Reilly asked motorists to prepare their journeys in advance.

Even in improved weather conditions, "the flood-water is still there and the dangers are still there", he advised.

He said it was often impossible to tell what was underneath the water.

"Even if you know the local road, there is that risk that the drain covers could have been removed and you're not going to find out about it until your car goes into it," he said.

Flooded roads have also been reported on the A21 in Hastings, the A28 at Brede Bridge and the A29 in Bognor Regis.

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