More gales and rain on the way

It has issued 13 flood watches and eight flood warnings across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

River levels are already high across the region and more rainfall could lead to these rivers swelling further.

Howard Davidson, regional director for the Environment Agency's southern region said: 'It has certainly been very wet across the region today and there is more bad weather yet to come. We would urge anyone who lives in a flood risk area to keep up-to-date on the latest flood warnings in force. If a flood warning is issued for where you live, prepare for flooding.

'Hopefully people living in flood risk areas will already have thought about what to do if there is a flood. Anyone who hasn't already prepared for flooding should use this time to check where to switch off their electricity, gas and water supplies, move valuable or sentimental documents upstairs or to a safe place and move cars off low-lying driveways to higher ground where flood waters won't reach. It is also important to check on vulnerable friends and neighbours.

'Environment Agency teams are out across the region monitoring rainfall and river levels and making sure drains and grills are clear so that water can flow away as quickly as possible.'

For more information on how to prepare for flooding and the latest flood warnings in place visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk or ring floodline on 08459 881188