Flood Alert Issued for Cuckmere River in East Sussex Following Heavy Rainfall Forecast

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Cuckmere River within the Solent and South Downs area. This alert, classified as severity level 3, was raised on February 18, 2026, in response to a forecast of sustained rainfall expected to impact the region through Thursday.

Affected Areas

The alert covers specific geographic regions within East Sussex along the Cuckmere River. Locations identified as at risk include:

• Hellingly: Gardens and low-lying areas on Hammer Lane, Grove Hill, Mill Lane, Station Road, Church Lane, and Church Road.
• Alfriston: North Street, River Lane, The Old Clergy House, and Deans Place Hotel.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to avoid roads that are prone to flooding, specifically Mill Lane and Church Road in Hellingly, and North Street in Alfriston. The Environment Agency urges individuals not to put themselves or others at risk by entering floodwaters. Residents should monitor local conditions closely, as further isolated property flooding could be possible if rainfall exceeds current forecasts.

Expected Conditions

Rain is forecast to continue from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. While the primary threat currently involves gardens and roads, isolated property flooding remains a possibility. Following the main weather front, only isolated showers are expected for Thursday afternoon, Friday, and the upcoming weekend. Unsettled weather may continue throughout the remainder of February.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 15:24 on February 18, 2026. Flooding impacts are expected to begin in Hellingly at 18:00 on February 18 and in Alfriston at 06:00 on February 19. River levels are projected to begin falling by 12:00 on February 19 in Hellingly and by 22:00 in Alfriston. Levels are expected to return to near-normal conditions by Saturday, February 21. This message is scheduled for an update by 20:00 on February 19, 2026.