Residents have been told to be prepared for flooding after "intense" rainfall for two days straight.

The government's Environment Agency (EA) has issued a flood alert at Scrase Bridge and West Common Streams near Haywards Heath.

The EA said both rivers had returned to near normal following “intense” rainfall on Thursday but further showers are expected and “any river rise and flooding will likely occur quickly following intense downpours”.

READ MORE: Yellow weather warning for rain in Sussex

Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said: “With a yellow weather warning across southern England and South Wales, these areas are the main focus of attention for today’s forecast.”

Forecasters said there is a slight chance of power cuts, flooding in homes and businesses, communities being cut off, travel disruption and damage from lightning strikes in the northern part of the warning area.

“There is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life”, they added.

Sussex is in the throes of a yellow weather warning for rain with heavy downpours hitting much of the county.

The warning is in place until 11.59pm tonight.