Severe weather update

Above-average rainfall in West Sussex is putting significant pressure on parts of the county, including our highways.

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

These conditions continue to hamper our efforts to repair our roads and keep them open.

The county council and our partners are working hard responding to flooding on our roads and identifying longer-term solutions. 

Check the Met Office for forecasted weather warnings. 

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

We understand people are frustrated with the situation but unfortunately we have seen instances of our staff being harmed by members of the public in the course of their work. 

We welcome constructive challenge but to direct frustration to people who are trying to fix the issue is not helpful and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. 

12 February: West Sussex County Council says abuse of its officers needs to stop

Updated: Tuesday 24 February 4.14pm

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

Further 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

Our officers are out across the county in all weathers fixing the problems we’re seeing where they can or working to keep the public safe where they can’t.

We've upped the number of crews responding to reports of safety issues including potholes and flooding and have 22 out throughout the week including evenings and weekends. 

Since the start of February alone we have cleared more than 3,000 drainage gullies and repaired more than 1,800 potholes.

19 February A29 Shripney Road closed due to significant flooding following exceptional rainfall

13 February Thousands of drains cleared as council works to keep roads moving

Find out how we're keeping drainage gullies clear.

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.

The county council is responsible for the management of local flood risks from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. 

As the Lead Local Flood Authority, our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy sets out how we manage and reduce flood risk across the county, increase resilience, and help our communities prepare for and respond to flooding. 

Effective partnership working is key and we are working with other responsible authorities to better understand flood risk at a strategic scale, consider the interactions between multiple sources of flooding, and identify holistic solutions. 

Partners include:

• the Environment Agency, responsible for the flooding from the sea and the main rivers
• the district and borough councils, responsible for coastal protection
• the water companies  

Check before you travel

See road closure details 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

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 
• Report a pothole

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.

Raise a concern if you are worried about risks to a vulnerable person.