Flood Alert Issued for Cuckmere River in East Sussex; Minor Impacts Expected in Hellingly and Alfriston

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Cuckmere River catchment. This alert (Severity Level 3) was officially raised on February 15, 2026, in response to persistent rainfall affecting the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Solent and South Downs area within East Sussex. Specific locations identified as at risk for minor flooding include:

• Hellingly: Mill Lane, Station Road, Church Lane, and Church Road.
• Alfriston: North Street and River Lane.
• General: Fields and rural roads adjacent to the Cuckmere River.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following safety measures:

• Avoid Flooded Roads: Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwater. Specific caution is advised for Mill Lane and Church Road in Hellingly, and North Street in Alfriston.
• Stay Safe: Do not put yourself or others at risk by entering rising waters.
• Monitor Conditions: Keep informed of river level changes as unsettled weather is expected to continue throughout February.

Expected Conditions

Persistent rain is forecast to continue until 17:00 on February 15, 2026. While only a small rise in river levels is currently expected, minor flood impacts are likely to affect fields, rural roads, and the gardens of isolated riverside properties.

Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday are expected to bring only isolated showers, which should allow river levels to begin returning to normal. However, widespread rain is forecast for Wednesday, February 18, which may cause flood risks to return.

Timeline

• February 15, 14:00: Minor flood impacts may begin approaching gardens on Mill Lane, Hellingly.
• February 15, 17:00: Persistent rainfall is expected to end.
• February 15, 18:00: Potential garden flooding may affect Station Road, Church Lane, and Church Road in Hellingly.
• February 16, 02:00: River levels are expected to peak in Hellingly. Minor impacts may begin affecting North Street and gardens on River Lane in Alfriston.
• February 16, 12:00: River levels are expected to peak in Alfriston and begin to fall.

This message will be updated by the Environment Agency by 20:00 on February 16, 2026.