South East motorists warned of icy roads after flooding

The A21 at Seddlescombe in East Sussex flooded on Monday

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on icy roads after widespread flooding in Kent and Sussex.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice across the South East between 18:00 GMT on Tuesday and 10:00 on Wednesday.

Flood warnings also remain in place across parts of Sussex.

Kent County Council highways manager Toby Howe said it had been an "awful night" with heavy rainfall causing extra issues on the roads.

Mr Howe said there had been more than a dozen accidents across the county on Tuesday morning, including a jack-knifed lorry in Swanscombe, two crashes in Langton Green and a motorbike involved in a collision in Lamberhurst.

"We treat approximately 3,000km (1,864 miles) of road each night, and on those roads there are so many areas where there is water coming off the fields," he said.

"So until we're aware of it, we can't actually get to it. It was an awful night because of that situation, I'm afraid."

Selling Road in Selling was also closed while a vehicle was recovered by emergency services following a crash.

More flooding expected

The Met Office said ice was "likely to cause difficult driving conditions" across Kent, Sussex and Surrey overnight.

"Following the recent very wet weather, sub-zero temperatures overnight will mean that any water seeping onto roads will continue to freeze, leading to icy stretches, particularly, but not exclusively on untreated surfaces," the Met Office said.

Hastings Borough Council (HBC) said flooding was expected for Combe Haven at Bulverhythe, including Bulverhythe Road and Bexhill Road at Sheepwash Bridge.

Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings also remains closed due to flooding.

HBC leader Paul Barnett said the council was offering housing support to residents whose homes have been affected by the flooding.

"The scenes in the town yesterday were awful, but well done to all the agencies who tackled it so that much of the water had gone by 3pm," he said.

East Sussex Highways said Barcombe Mill Road in Barcombe, and Stonestile Lane in Hastings were closed due to flooding.

In West Sussex, flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency for Bersted on the Aldingbourne Rife, Fittleworth on the Western Rother and Pulborough on the River Arun.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said a fleet of 19 gritters would be treating key routes across the county tonight.

"If you need to drive, please only do so with extreme caution and allow plenty of time for your journey," he said.

"High ground-water levels and resultant running water make our roads far more hazardous in very cold conditions and we haven't had the two combined for a number of years."

Sussex Police also requested the closure of Colworth Lane in Oving while ice treatment is carried out.

The railway line between Hurst Green and East Grinstead is also blocked following a landslip.

Some Southern Rail passengers may be affected, Network Rail have warned.

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