Heavy rain and flooding causes disruption on the trains and roads across Sussex

Several parts of Sussex were affected by the adverse weather that began yesterday evening.

It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow warning at around 4pm on October 20, continuing into the early hours of October 21.

Network Rail then also warned of disruption to trains across Sussex, London, Kent and Surrey.

Emergency services worked through the night to clear the M23 following the crash and heavy rain.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue were called to hundreds of flooding incidents overnight as many residents found their homes and businesses under water.

Several motorists also had to be rescued from their cars after driving into deep water.

The downpour caused major road closures, including the M23 Southbound at Crawley, which became the scene of a major crash between a car and a motorbike.

• READ MORE: Weather updates across Sussex following heavy rain and strong winds

The crash caused a closure of the southbound carriageway at around 9pm but the entire motorway was closed at 4am as crews attempted to clear the debris and water. It remained closed until this morning when both directions were reopened.

Residents of Ferring Village were shocked as they witnessed what appeared to be a "mini tornado" ripping through their village last night.

One resident reported how the wind "whipped through our garden. Lifted a heavy glass top out of our garden table up in to the air and smashed it into the side of the house. Whew. Never seen anything like it".

Front garden in Ferring Village after 'mini tornado'. Photo: Sara Thwaites

There have been five flood warnings - flooding expected - issued across Sussex since 1am this morning, but that has since been reduced to three.

There were also 14 flood alerts - flooding possible - which began at around 7pm last night and fresh alerts have been issued this morning following the heavy rain.

• READ MORE: M23 now reopened following closure due to flooding

Trains across Sussex were cancelled, causing long delays for early-morning commuters. A 40mph speed limit was placed on certain railway routes due to the weather.

Southern announced that due to a landslip there were no trains running between Crowborough and Uckfield until around 11am when the line reopened.

Cars and other vehicles were stranded after widespread flooding

Footage filmed in South Terrace, Littlehampton, showed a burst drain cover pouring water into the road as the fire service responded.

Forecasters predict there to be more persistent rain over the weekend, with the heaviest rain expected in western Scotland, where 40-60mm could fall in 24 hours.

Northern Ireland, northern England and Wales, could see up to 20mm of rain, while southern and central areas will see light rain.

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