Flood Alert Issued for Upper Ouse in East Sussex and West Sussex

Alert Details

A flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for the Upper Ouse. This alert, designated at severity level 3, indicates that flooding is possible in the region following forecast rainfall from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Solent and South Downs area, specifically impacting East Sussex and West Sussex along the River Ouse. Specific locations identified as at risk include:

• Gardens of isolated properties near Bridge Cottage on the B2028 and on Sloop Lane.
• Fletching Mill Bridge, Sharpsbridge, and Barcombe Mills Road.
• The Anchor Inn and gardens in Barcombe Mills.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to avoid roads that are prone to flooding, with a specific warning issued for Barcombe Mills Road. The Environment Agency is currently operating water management structures at Pimms Lock and Barcombe to mitigate flood risk. Residents should remain vigilant as unsettled weather is expected to continue throughout February.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is anticipated to affect gardens and isolated properties. While only isolated showers are forecast for Thursday afternoon and into the weekend, the Environment Agency warns that if rainfall exceeds current forecasts, isolated property flooding could become possible. River levels are expected to return to near-normal levels by Friday evening.

Timeline

• Wednesday, Feb 18, 22:00: Minor flooding may begin near Bridge Cottage and Sloop Lane.
• Thursday, Feb 19, 04:00: Flooding may begin affecting Fletching Mill Bridge, Sharpsbridge, and Barcombe Mills.
• Thursday, Feb 19, 10:00: River levels are expected to begin falling in Ardingly.
• Thursday, Feb 19, 18:00: River levels are expected to begin falling in Barcombe.
• Friday Evening: River levels should return to near normal.

This message is scheduled for an update by 20:00 on February 19, 2026.