River levels continued to rise during more heavy rain and strong winds last night, but the Environment Agency does not predict major flooding.

Worst affected was Hastings where 34mm of rain fell up to 3am this morning, causing the River Rother to swell to its highest level this year.

But like dozens of other at-risk rivers did not come close to bursting its banks as witnessed last year, when homes in nearby Robertsbridge were devastated.

More than 30 Flood Watch alerts remained in place across the South today but Agency staff said conditions would ease as the weather improved.

Fire brigades reported virtually no flooding calls although localised flooding was again affecting roads.

Agency spokeswoman Jo Warburton said: "It was a quiet night. River levels rose slightly overnight but that was as a result of yesterday's rain.

"The forecasters are predicting a further five to 12mm of rain today which will cause rivers to rise again but should not cause any major problems. No Flood Warnings have been issued.

"There are still Flood Watches in place which mean very low lying properties could be affected but others should not."