The big clean-up started today after the worst storms in more than a decade.

Hundreds of homes were still without power and flooding was still affecting several towns and villages.

Emergency services said this morning: "The worst is over - for the time being."

Gales and more heavy rain are expected to return later this week and most rivers remain on flood alert.

Schools have reopened, train services returned to near normal and most roads were open today, with the exception of the A29, north of Bognor, which was submerged.

The River Arun burst its banks yesterday, causing chaos in Pulborough.

Fire services spent the night shoring up defences with sandbags and pumping water away.

The Environment Agency today warned flooding was still possible, but river levels are now receding.

The total rainfall for October exceeded 14in, more than three times the monthly average.

Severe flood warnings have been issued for the River Cuckmere at Hellingly and from Alfriston to Exceat, the River Uck at Uckfield and the Ouse between Isfield and Barcombe.

High winds last night caused problems for motorists.

A lorry was flipped on to its side at Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, by 90mph gusts. The driver escaped unhurt.

People living in Robertsbridge and traders in Uckfield were breathing a sigh of relief this morning as fears of further flooding failed to materialise.

Homes and shops had been sandbagged for the second time this month. In the end only fields and roads were flooded.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "Thankfully it has been an uneventful night and things are now beginning to get back to normal.

"People should still take care if they are going out as there is still a lot of surface water in some places and debris."

Power failure and storm damage meant some shops, businesses and schools were closed again today.

Wind speeds eased last night but there were new reports of damage, including in Saltdean, Brighton, where a bungalow roof was blown off.