BREAKING: Flood alerts issued for Littlehampton and Climping

The Environment Agency has today given the warnings in response to tomorrow’s predicted high-tide (Friday, January 3).

It is urging businesses located along the River Arun, particularly those in Rope Walk, to take precautions against the weather tonight, as strong winds, large waves and high tides look set to combine, tomorrow.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “The industrial units along Littlehampton Rope Walk could be affected.

“Friday, January 3, is expected to experience the worst conditions with high tide, strong winds and large waves. Take precaution now for tonight and Friday.”

She added: “Tides will remain high for the remainder of the week. It is likely this flood alert will be issued every day up to and including Monday, January 6.”

The spokesman also warned that water could breach the beach defences in Climping and seep through into Atherington, collecting in parts of Climping Street.

Again, those living in Climping Street – particularly those closest to the shore – are being urged to take precautions.

The alerts follow last month’s unsettled weather, which flooded countless parts of the county, damaging fences, uprooting trees and leaving thousands without power after high winds damaged power cables.

The flood alert is the lowest warning provided by the agency.

It does not mean flooding will definitely happen only that the potential for flooding is there.

Only last month, businesses on the other side of the River Arun, at the Riverside Industrial Estate, in Bridge Road, Littlehampton, were hit by tidal flooding which caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

Large quantity of water flooded several businesses in the site in the early hours of the morning.

For up-to-date information about the latest warnings, see the Environment Agency’s website, here.