Flood Alert Issued for Upper Ouse Affecting East and West Sussex

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Upper Ouse within the Solent and South Downs area. This alert, classified as severity level 3, indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain prepared for changing conditions.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Upper Ouse region across East Sussex and West Sussex. Specific locations identified as at risk for minor flooding include fields and roads near:

• Bridge Cottage on the B2028
• Sloop Lane
• Fletching Mill Bridge
• Sharpsbridge
• Anchor Lane
• Barcombe Mills Road

Flood water is expected to be very close to the Anchor Inn and may potentially affect gardens in Barcombe Mills.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to avoid roads that are prone to flooding, specifically Barcombe Mills Road. The Environment Agency is currently operating water control structures at Pimms Lock and Barcombe to manage and reduce flood risk. Monitor local conditions as unsettled weather is expected to continue throughout February.

Expected Conditions

River levels on the Ouse are currently high. While levels near Ardingly are already falling, levels near Barcombe are still rising as of Thursday morning. Minor flooding of fields and roads is expected to persist. The weather forecast indicates only isolated showers for Thursday, Friday, and through the weekend.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised on the morning of February 19, 2026. Flood water is expected to be near the Anchor Inn starting from 12:00 on February 19. River levels in Barcombe are projected to begin falling by 15:00 on February 19, with a return to near-normal levels expected by Friday evening, February 20. This message will be updated by 20:00 on February 20, 2026.