Motorists were rescued from more than a dozen trapped cars on the A27 as parts of Sussex were hit by widespread flooding overnight.

Some 20 cars were left stranded by flood water on a stretch of the road near Chichester as the county was pounded by heavy rain.

Vehicles were also recovered in Clapham, near Worthing, as rain flooded another section of the A27 at a junction with the A280.

Emergency services reported localised flooding on roads across the western part of Sussex, as well as flooding of some buildings.

Part of the M23 southbound is closed due to flooding around Crawley and Pease Pottage, along with a section of the A27 eastbound between Emsworth to Chichester.

The Argus: Flooding stranded vehicles near Worthing on the A27Flooding stranded vehicles near Worthing on the A27 (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Police have urged motorists to be cautious when travelling this morning and said: “Weather conditions continue to be extremely challenging and there is a lot of flooding and standing water out on the roads.

“Please adapt your driving to allow for the conditions and stay safe.”

Train services have also been severely disrupted due to the heavy rain, with the rail line between Lewes towards Haywards Heath blocked by flooding. Rail services are instead running via Brighton.

Commuters and train passengers were told to avoid travelling last night, as severe flooding blocked lines between Haywards Heath and Brighton, Brighton and Lewes, and Haywards Heath and Lewes.

The Argus: Objects like umbrellas were tossed around in last night's storm, including in front of the Royal PavilionObjects like umbrellas were tossed around in last night's storm, including in front of the Royal Pavilion (Image: The Argus)

Parts of the county received more than 50mm (two inches) of rain in just 24 hours, including Haywards Heath, Balcombe Forest, Plumpton, Ashington and Storrington.

Red flood warnings were issued across Sussex overnight, with alerts issued for Alfriston, Barcombe Mills, Mock Bridge, Forest Row and Crowhurst.

A yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office for heavy rain has since been lifted, with Brighton expected to see a reprieve from the wet weather for the next few days.

The city and parts of the county are expected to see sunny intervals today, with clear conditions anticipated to last until at least the end of the week.