Met Office is predictingfloods across the county

Wet and windy weather continues to lash the Rye and Battle area just as it recovers from the effects of snowfall.

Gale force winds and up to two inches of rain are predicted for Friday prompting the Met Office to issue a severe weather warning.

It comes barely a week after the big freeze caused travel chaos and it is likely that transport will again be affected.

Icy roads earlier in the week caused a number of vehicle crashes in the area.

Two Sussex rivers, the Rother and Cuckmere have already been placed on flood alert earlier this week.

The problem has been made worse due to the volume of water from melted snow which has left the ground saturated and rivers close to capacity.

The rain this weekend will be accompanied by gale force winds which will be even more severe on hills and exposed areas of coastline.

Alison Baptiste, the Environment Agency’s flood and coastal risk manager, said: “With rain expected across the South East for the remainder of the week.

“We are urging residents to check their local flood risk status and be prepared for any possible flooding.

“Our teams have been out in force shoring up flood defences. monitoring river levels and clearing blockages from water courses and they will continue their work on the ground to reduce the risk of flooding throughout the week.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.”

Flood defences in the Rye and Battle area have been holding up so far.

Robertsbridge, which was devastated by floods in 2000 has seen water covering roads and fields but no homes have been affected so far.

Fields around Bodiam are already heavily waterlogged and areas of the Brede Valley were under water earlier this week.

Motorists are advised to drive cautiously due to the risk of aquaplaning.