'Drivers are ignoring signs' - West Sussex A-road closed due to flooding

According to AA Traffic News, Shripney Road is shut between the A259 and Sack Lane after floodwater made the route impassable.

A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “The A29 Shripney Road was closed due to high levels of floodwater making the road unsafe. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with inspections taking place daily. With further rain forecast this week, the closure will remain in place while significant standing water is still present on the road.

“A full diversion is in operation, and drivers are asked to follow all signage and take extra care when travelling in the area.”

The AA reported – at 10.45am on Monday, February 2 – that some drivers have been ignoring road closure signs. But the traffic information service stressed the road remains closed and warned motorists not to attempt to drive through floodwater.

The traffic report read: “Road closed due to flooding on A29 Shripney Road both ways between A259 and Sack Lane. Some drivers are ignoring signs, but the road remains closed.”

A subsequent West Sussex Highways statement read: “Please do not drive through road closures caused by flooding.

“Surface water is currently being pushed into nearby homes and properties, making the situation worse for residents. Even shallow water can cause damage and driving through it creates waves that floods gardens, driveways and houses.

“Follow the diversions and avoid flooded areas.”

A resident’s post on social media site, Nextdoor, quipped that Shripney and surrounding areas ‘are being twinned with Venice’ – such is the extent of the flooding.

West Sussex Highways reported on Monday morning (February 2) that – ‘following the weather at the weekend’ – there were several road closures in place, that were scheduled for inspection. This included the A29 as well as Yapton Lane, Walberton and Highleigh Road, Sidlesham.

The council added: “Please take care while travelling with more rain due this week.”

The flooding at Yapton Lane had receded by Monday afternoon and a request was made to contractors to reopen the road, West Sussex Highways reported.

Meanwhile, Fairmile Bottom in Madehurst is closed westbound – with two-way lights in place.

West Sussex County Council also confirmed a lane closure on the A24. This has been reported southbound between Southwater and Buck Barn – with ‘holes encroaching onto the carriageway’. A lane closure has been in place since Friday, due to the ‘deterioration of the carriageway’.

Flood warnings and alerts remain in force across West Sussex

River levels remain high following recent heavy rainfall, the Environment Agency has warned.

Two flood warnings are currently in place, meaning flooding is expected and residents should act now.

On the Western River Rother at Fittleworth, river levels are high and rising, with floodwater already affecting fields, gardens and rural roads. The Environment Agency says further rain expected from Tuesday could lead to property flooding, with river levels likely to remain higher than normal throughout the week. Residents have been urged to keep flood protection measures in place.

A flood warning also remains in force for Pulborough on the River Arun. Although river levels are currently falling, they are expected to rise again from Tuesday into Wednesday. Minor flooding is already affecting parts of the A29, as well as gardens and roads around Lower Street, Swan Corner, Bridge Cottages and Greatham. Property flooding is considered possible later in the week, and pumps are operating in Pulborough to help reduce the risk.

Alongside the warnings, multiple flood alerts are active across the county, meaning flooding is possible and people should be prepared. Rivers including the Arun, Ems, Western Rother, Lox and Adur are all running high, with minor flooding likely to affect low-lying fields, roads and gardens in places such as Westbourne, Emsworth, Amberley, Arundel, Loxwood and Chiddingfold. Some roads, including the A29 and A281, may be affected at times.

There is also an increased risk of groundwater flooding in communities north of Chichester, including Stoughton, Walderton, West Dean, Singleton, Charlton, East Dean and Chilgrove. Rising groundwater levels could lead to springs appearing, water flowing across roads and, in a small number of cases, flooding of cellars or basements. Disruption to drainage and sewage networks is also possible in some areas.

The Environment Agency said river levels are not currently expected to reach those seen during recent significant flooding events, but conditions could deteriorate if heavier rain arrives as forecast. It is monitoring the situation closely, operating pumps, sluices and other control structures, and clearing debris to help manage flows.

Residents are being advised to stay alert, prepare flood protection measures where available, and avoid driving through floodwater or using roads known to flood.

The Met Office has issued snow and rain warnings for parts of the UK but Sussex is currently clear of any weather alerts.

The BBC’s latest forecast for Sussex reads: “Today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of a few spots of light rain or drizzle locally. A few occasional brighter spells possible during any breaks in the cloud. A breezy day.

“Tonight will start mostly cloudy but generally dry. Overnight, outbreaks of rain will develop from the west, heavy at times. It will be a windy night.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be mostly cloudy with patchy outbreaks of rain and showers. A few bright spells are possible later in the afternoon. Winds will ease.

“Wednesday will begin cloudy with spells of light rain, but breaks of wintry sunshine will appear later, mostly in the afternoon. Thursday is expected to be a dry day with variable cloud and sunny spells. Turning overcast in the evening. Spells of light rain on Friday, possibly turning to sleet for a time over highest ground.”