Horsham police receive more than 100 storm calls

Officers attended 55 of the 110 reported incidents - most of which were floods, trees down or broken down vehicles.

At around 1am power lines came down in Worthing Road, Horsham, and the A272 in Cowfold.

Just before 4.45am officers attended the A29 in Pulborough which was flooded. The Environment Agency was at the scene pumping water. A fallen tree was also discovered.

This morning and in Horsham town centre shop alarms were sounding, lamp posts had been smashed and lights were flickering.

Commuters will be disrupted.

Sussex Police is warning drivers to be take extra care and allow enough time for journeys as people head off for the Christmas break.

Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett from Sussex Police’s Operations department said: “We can expect a lot more rain and even stronger winds overnight with the weather changeable over the next few days.

“The heavy rainfall will lead to significant surface water and strong winds have already led to fallen trees and hazards in the road. Our message to roadusers is to be cautious, slow down and allow extra time for your journey and watch out for hazards such as gusts of wind and large puddles that you don’t see in the dark. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and advise people not to walk or drive through floodwater.

“We are working with our partners across Sussex and doing all we can to keep people safe and the roads clear.

“There is some risk of flooding. The Environment Agency is warning that heavy rainfall, high tide and strong coastal winds will lead to high water levels in the River Ouse in Lewes in particular. Defences will be installed in the town early Tuesday morning as a precaution.”