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

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) for the Upper Ouse. This alert indicates that flooding is possible due to persistent rainfall and rising river levels.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Upper Ouse area within East Sussex and West Sussex. Specific locations identified for potential impact include:

• Riverside properties near Bridge Cottage on the B2028
• Sloop Lane
• Fletching Mill Bridge
• Sharpsbridge
• The Anchor Inn
• Barcombe Mills road

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 help mitigate flood risk. Residents in isolated riverside properties should remain vigilant as water may approach garden areas.

Expected Conditions

Persistent rain is expected to continue until 17:00 on February 15, 2026. While only a small river rise is currently anticipated, minor flood impacts are expected to affect fields and rural roads. Starting from 18:00 on February 15, minor flooding could approach the gardens of isolated properties near the B2028 and Sloop Lane. By 22:00, impacts may reach Fletching Mill Bridge, Sharpsbridge, and the Anchor Inn. While Monday and Tuesday are forecast to have only isolated showers, widespread rain is expected on Wednesday, which could cause flood risks to return.

Timeline

• Alert Effective: From 13:10 on February 15, 2026.
• Rain Duration: Expected to persist until 17:00 on February 15, 2026.
• Peak Levels (Ardingly): River levels are expected to peak and begin falling by 02:00 on February 16, 2026.
• Peak Levels (Barcombe): River levels are expected to peak by 14:00 on February 16, 2026.
• Next Update: The Environment Agency will update this message by 20:00 on February 16, 2026.