Weather experts have predicted possible flash floods after heavy rainfall lashed Sussex.

The Met Office issued the warnings as 0.5in of rain was expected to fall last night.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Conditions are worrying as a weather system is bringing the possibility of intense bursts.

"With the ground already saturated from a few days of rain, this could lead to flash flooding in some areas."

The agency has warned people to stay away from streams and rivers, which could be close to overflowing.

Five flood warnings were in place in Sussex last night, including sections of the Cuckmere and Ouse rivers, with 25 less serious flood watches declared across the region.

Hove weather expert Ken Woodhams said the past two months had seen a huge rise in rainfall.

He said: "In November we had seven inches, which is almost double the average.

"In December we have had about five-and-a-quarter whereas the average is three-and-a-half.

"We have had seven dry days all month."

He said the figures were about the same as the increase which led to the autumn 2000 floods, which caused widespread damage in Sussex.

Forecasts suggested the rain could ease off a little today but return tomorrow and continue into the weekend.