Several people had to be rescued by the emergency services after a mix of heavy rain and high tides caused flooding in parts of Sussex over the past 24 hours.
The River Arun burst its banks early this morning (Tuesday 9 April), leading to floods near Ferry Road and Rope Walk, in Littlehampton, with about 15 people evacuated.
About 200 people were reported to have been evacuated from the Medmerry Holiday Park, between Bracklesham and Selsey, was also flooded.
Flood defences were breached in other areas and the emergency services were kept busy helping to evacuate people from their homes.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service asked those directly affected by flooding to move to higher ground if possible, unless they were unable to leave their home.
The fire service said: “We currently have three severe flooding incidents happening across the county in Earnley, Littlehampton and Bracklesham as the River Arun burst its banks.
“At around midnight, we were alerted to the first flooding incident in Littlehampton which primarily affected Ferry Road and Rope Walk. In total, 15 people were evacuated.
“Shortly after 1am, we then responded to a flooding incident at Medmerry Holiday Park, Earnley.
“In total, around 180 people were evacuated. South East Coast Ambulance Service have assessed and triaged a number of people at a nearby facility and one person showing signs of hypothermia has been taken to hospital at this time.
“Fire crews have now left both incidents and the situation in these two areas will be closely monitored throughout the day.
“And finally, at around 6.40am crews were made aware of flooding at Bracklesham Caravan and Boat Club. Evacuations of around 20 people are under way.
“The water levels have not yet receded and those who have been evacuated remain displaced. It is also possible that the flooding may increase throughout the day.
“People directly affected should get to high ground if possible, unless unable to leave their residence.
“Otherwise, please avoid the areas to allow rescue operations to continue safely and effectively.
“Anyone requiring lifesaving intervention or trapped in their residence should use 999 to contact the Fire and Rescue Service or the Coastguard.”
