Flood warnings: Sussex residents told to act now and move families

Residents in the impacted areas have been urged to move their families to safety

Some residents in East and West Sussex have been told to "act now" amid local flood warnings.

On Friday morning there were warnings in place for Fittleworth by the Western Rother in West Sussex and Barcombe Mills by the River Ouse in East Sussex.

The government warnings, which mean flooding is "expected", urge residents to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies and to move people to safety.

A yellow weather warning was also in place on Thursday.

On the government's website it said the Western Rother was high and rising.

Although it was expected to begin to fall by 22:00 GMT on Friday, possible rain on Sunday and Monday could cause the river to rise higher.

A government spokesperson said: "Some roads, including the B2138 through Fittleworth, may become impassable,

"Please plan to avoid driving through routes vulnerable to flooding."

Water levels in the River Ouse were expected to start to fall by 07:00 on Friday.

The spokesperson added: "Flood protection products are recommended to be installed in Barcombe, if you have them.

"We are operating our structures in Barcombe to help keep the river flowing freely and reduce flood risk."

There are also a number of flood alerts, where flooding is "possible", across the South East.

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