Sussex coast braced for stormy weather

Heavy showers are forecast across the South East tonight, and with a low pressure system expected to bring wet and stormy conditions to the south coast on Friday, the Environment Agency is working hard to minimise any possible risk of flooding and is warning residents to take action now to reduce the risks and impacts.

The weather system could bring gale force south-easterly winds, large waves, and a moderate storm surge during Friday and Saturday, which would coincide with the peak spring tides. Large waves and strong winds could result in minor disruption inland, with some impact from spray or wave overtopping.

Parts of Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent are forecast to receive up 10mm to 20mm of rainfall tonight and tomorrow, which has the potential to cause minor disruption and lead to possible flood alerts being issued. Isolated areas may receive up to 30mm of rainfall.

The tidal gates at Eastoke and Lymington in Hampshire will be closed. The Environment Agency is in close communication with local authorities and emergency services to prepare for any potential impacts as a result of the weather.

Andrew Gilham, Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, said: “With stormy weather forecast from tonight and into the weekend, our teams are working hard to prepare and to make sure our professional partners are prepared. We have officers out checking flood defences, closing flood gates and clearing any river blockages. We are receiving regular updates from the Met Office, and will continuously monitor both tidal conditions and river levels to ensure we are prepared.

“People should be aware that there could be a lot of water around, so avoid trying to drive or walk through any flooding and be sensible when out and about, particularly around the coast. Now is a good time for anyone who lives in an area vulnerable to flooding to think about the precautions they can take to protect their properties, and I would encourage everybody to check their flood risk at the Environment Agency website.”