A flood alert has now been issued as part of the county faces a warning for wet weather.

It has been issued for the Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes, near Bognor, where between 15 and 30mm of rain is forecast from 1pm to 8pm on Thursday.

Typical rainfall in November in Sussex is around 80mm, so more than a third of the month’s rain could hit the county in just one day.  

The government’s Environment Agency, which issued the warning, also mentioned more rain coming on Saturday.

A spokesman for the agency said: “From 3pm on Thursday, December 7, flooding could affect a small number of riverside properties in Marshall Close, with Lake Lane and Barnham Road also affected by flood water.

“From 10pm, flood water could affect parts of the car park at the Tesco Superstore on Shripney Road and land around caravans at Riverside Caravan Centre, as well as fields near Shripney Lane.

“Friday should remain mostly dry, but another 10-20mm of rain is forecast Saturday morning.

“Flood protection products are recommended to be installed in Barnham, if you have them.”

The Tesco had previously been closed for three weeks due to flooding after Storm Ciaran at the end of October. 

The Environment Agency will clear grilles in Barnham and run pumps which take away excess water in Felpham to reduce flooding.

Much of West Sussex is still being battered by heavy rain and winds of up to 35mph.

And a yellow weather warning for rain is in place from 11am until 10pm tonight, from Steyning to Chichester.

The weather service has warned of the possibility of flooding of a few homes and businesses, as well as disruption to bus and train services.

A spokesman from the Met Office said: "A band of rain will move eastwards across the area during Thursday before clearing during the evening.

"Rain will be heavy at times, especially over hills, with 20 to 30mm likely in places. Rain will be accompanied by strong south-easterly winds."