Sussex was hit with widespread flooding after downpours stranded vehicles, disrupted rail services and caused a houseboat to sink.

Red flood warnings were issued across the county as some areas saw more than 50mm (two inches) of rainfall in just a single day, including Haywards Heath, Balcombe Forest, Plumpton, Ashington and Storrington.

Motorists and passengers in 20 cars had to be rescued by fire crews after becoming stranded by floodwater along the A27 near Chichester, with other vehicles being recovered along the road in Clapham, near Worthing.

Part of the M23 was also closed for several hours during the morning rush hour after flooding overnight blocked the highway in Crawley.

The A281 was also closed after a van got stuck in floodwater near a river between Henfield and Partridge Green.

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

Disruption was not limited to roads, with some train services suspended or re-routed after floods blocked a rail line between Lewes and Haywards Heath.

Drains in Rocky Lane in Haywards Heath erupted with water after becoming inundated by the downpour, while in Alfriston, the Cuckmere River overflowed and water cascaded into surrounding fields and roads. Fields around the river were submerged in several feet of water.

In Lewes, a houseboat sunk and was carried down the River Ouse in the aftermath of the storm.

The RNLI in Newhaven reported that the vessel, which had been moored near a bridge over the river, had become “unleased” as the river swelled with floodwater.

The houseboat could be seen partially submerged as it was carried away downstream by the torrent of water.

The Argus: A houseboat was spotted partially submerged and being carried down stream along the River OuseA houseboat was spotted partially submerged and being carried down stream along the River Ouse (Image: RNLI Newhaven)

Flood warnings remained in place for parts of Sussex, including Barcombe Mills, Hellingly, Horsebridge, Alfriston, Mock Bridge and Pulborough.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, which dealt with roughly 70 incidents overnight, urged motorists not to travel through deep floodwater as they could end up stuck and needing assistance.

The floods came after a yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office, forecasting widespread downpours across the county.

The forecast for the rest of the week looks more settled, with Brighton expected to see sunshine until at least Sunday.