River Arun and Western River Rother flood warnings remain in place with more rain forecast

Flood warnings are still in place for Pulborough on the River Arun and Fittleworth on the Western River Rother – meaning ‘flooding is expected’ and residents should ‘act now’.

As reported at 12.15pm, the River Arun level at Pulborough (Swan Bridge) was 3.88 metres. Property flooding is ‘possible when it goes above 4.36 metres’.

The Environment Agency warning came into force on on Monday (January 6) and read: “The River Arun is high and rising – 50mm of rain, nearly half a month's worth, has been recorded since Saturday.”

This warning has since been updated. It now reads: “The River Arun is high following Sunday's rainfall, but now slowly falling at Pulborough. Flooding will continue to affect the A29 at Pulborough.

"Water will be extensive through fields and will affect gardens and properties on Lower Street and Swan Corner, Pulborough, near to Swan Bridge and Bridge Cottages, Greatham. The river should continue to fall.

"Flood risk should reduce by Tuesday evening, but river levels will not return nearer to normal until the weekend. There is uncertainty in the weather forecast for the rest of the week.

"Snow could be possible on Wednesday afternoon, or alternatively another 10-20mm of rain. A further 10-20mm of rain is possible on Friday. If rain occurs this week, it could cause a small river rise and flood risk to increase.

"Some roads, including the A29 at Pulborough, may be affected by flood water. Please plan to avoid driving through routes vulnerable to flooding. Our pumps in Pulborough are running to help reduce the risk of flooding.”

A warning is also in place for the Western Rother, which is ‘still very high’ at Fittleworth following Sunday's rain, but ‘now falling in all locations’, the Environment Agency said on Tuesday afternoon.

This reads: “The Western Rother is still very high at Fittleworth following Sunday's rain, but is now falling in all locations. Flooding will continue to affect isolated mill properties at Fittleworth.

"Minor flooding will continue to affect fields, rural roads, and gardens. More rain is forecast on Wednesday and possibly wintry showers.

"The river should continue to fall, but minor flood impacts could remain near Fittleworth until Wednesday. Another 10-20mm of rain is forecast on Friday. River levels could rise again on Wednesday evening and Friday.

"Early actions to reduce potential impacts at Fittleworth are encouraged. We continue to monitor the levels and forecast.”

Flood alerts are also still in place for Upper Arun, Lower Arun and Western Rother, meaning ‘flooding is possible’ and residents should ‘be prepared’.

The latest flood alert for Upper Arun reads: “The River Arun is still very high near Pallingham Quay following Sunday's rain, but is now falling in all communities.

“Flooding will continue to affect gardens of isolated properties at Pallingham Quay. Only residual flood impacts are expected in Horsham and Broadbridge Heath, where river levels have already fallen significantly.

"More rain is forecast on Wednesday and possibly wintery showers. The river should continue to fall. However, river levels will remain higher than normal near Pallingham all week.

"Another 10-20mm of rain is forecast on Friday. Minor flood impacts will again be possible on Wednesday. As a precaution, flood protection products are recommended to be kept installed in Wanford, if you have them.

"Our automatic sluice at Provender Mill is operating to help reduce the risk of flooding through Horsham.”

The Lower Arun alert reads: “For four hours after each high tide (17:00 and 05:00) water will be close to the tops of the banks near Houghton Bridge, Amberley and Houghton. Only minimal impacts are expected in Arundel.

"The river should continue to fall, but will remain higher than normal all week. There is uncertainty in the weather forecast. Snow could be possible Wednesday afternoon, or alternatively another 10-20mm of rain, and the same again on Friday, which could prolong or increase flood risk.

"Flood protection products are recommended to be kept installed in Pulborough, Amberley and Arundel, if you have them.”

The Western Rother alert reads: “The Western Rother has fallen significantly in most locations. Six to 15mm of rain (possibly falling as snow) is expected this afternoon.

"River levels could rise again Wednesday evening. Minor flooding might continue to affect isolated mill properties at Lodsbridge, near Selham and Fittleworth. Minor flooding will continue to affect fields, rural roads, and gardens.

"The river should continue to fall, but minor flood impacts could remain near Fittleworth until Thursday. Another two to six mm of rain is forecast on Friday.

"Early actions to reduce potential impacts at Lodsbridge and Fittleworth are encouraged. We continue to monitor the levels and forecast.”

Photos taken on Monday showed vehicles driving through River Arun floodwater on the A272 near Wisborough Green and the A29 at Pulborough.

This came after torrential rainfall over the weekend, which was proceeded by heavy snow.