Severe weather update

Above-average rainfall in West Sussex over the last few months has put significant pressure on parts of the county, including our highways.

The unprecedented levels of rain and prolonged severe weather means water levels are high, and drainage systems are overwhelmed.

These conditions continue to hamper our efforts to keep roads open and repaired and we appreciate the frustration among our communities.

The county council and our partners are working hard in responding to incidents of flooding and identifying longer-term solutions. 

Check the Met Office for forecasted weather warnings. 

Check the Environment Agency for details of flood warnings and alerts.

Our Highways Teams are working round the clock to keep the network moving and reduce the impact of flooding on roads within local communities.

During prolonged periods of heavy rain, the sheer volume of water means that no highway drainage can work effectively.

If we can’t clear the water straight away, it may be because:

• swelling watercourses, such as neighbouring rifes or rivers, are overflowing
• the point of discharge for our drainage system, such as a neighbouring rife, is full so there’s nowhere for the water to go
• the flood water is caused by blocked watercourses on private land
• pumping the floodwater out would lead to more water flowing in from the surrounding area.

If we can't clear the water, where it is safe to do so, roads will be kept open with appropriate flood warning signs in place.

However, where there is a risk to safety, full closures will be put in place with signposted diversions.

See our latest update for further details. 

Check before you travel

Major roads are disrupted with closure and traffic management in place due to standing water. See road closures below and check one.network

Do not ignore road closures due to flooding

The water may be deeper than you realise or there may be hazards hidden below the surface.

Driving through floodwater may invalidate your vehicle’s insurance. Check with your insurance provider.

Driving through floodwater may create waves that flood nearby gardens, driveways or houses.

Further advice

Driving in severe weather - Met Office

Stay up to date with road closures on this webpage and from @WSHhighways

Roadwork and road closure information is available from one.network

Access to live bus times is available from our Real Time Bus Information website

Train departures and arrivals information is available from National Rail Enquiries

Updated Friday 6 February 4.15pm

We will keep the below table as up to date as possible with the location and closure type of any A or B road affected by severe weather.

Call 999 if lives are in danger. 

Report flooding in a property 

Report issues on the highways so we can attend to them quickly:

• If the issue is an emergency and presents an immediate risk to public safety, phone 01243 642105. Please only call to report emergency issues to enable our teams to focus on immediate safety issues on the network.
• Report problems with flooding, blocked drains and gullies
• Report issues with fallen trees, hedges, weeds and grass 

Check for flood warnings and flood alerts where you live.

What to do before, during and after a flood: advice for residents and businesses

Flooding can cause a range of health problems. Advice is available on keeping you and your family safe.

In an emergency your mental health and emotional wellbeing are just as important as your physical health. See our mental health advice page for support and help available.

Sign up to our e-newsletters on topics including extreme weather alerts. 

It is for individual schools to decide whether to close.

All decisions are made with due consideration for the safety and wellbeing of everyone who has reason to get to and from the school. 

If they decide to close, schools will inform parents directly, notify their local radio station and update their website. 

Schools are asked to let the county council know about a closure.

Further information 

Care providers are reminded to keep business continuity plans up to date and follow them in instances of severe weather affecting their service.

Please raise a concern if you are worried about risks to vulnerable people.