'Persistent and heavy' rain forecast for Sussex and Surrey as yellow warning issued
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued across Sussex and Surrey.
According to the Met Office, rain will be ‘persistent and heavy' on Thursday (January 15).
The warning will come into force at 9am and be in place until 10pm.
"Heavy rain falling on saturated ground may lead to some surface water flooding on Thursday,” the warning read.
“Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.
"Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer.
"Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer.”
An area of low pressure will ‘migrate northeastwards’ across England on Thursday.
The Met Office added: “Whilst the exact track is uncertain, rain will become persistent and heavy through the day, before clearing to the north through the evening and night.
"Accumulations of 20-30 mm are expected fairly widely, in some places falling in just a few hours, with the potential for 40-50 mm in a few isolated spots. Given the saturated ground, this may lead to some surface water flooding."
In the event of a heavy downpour, residents are advised to ‘check if your property could be at risk of flooding’.
“If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit,” the Met Office said.
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
On Wednesday morning, the yellow warning was extended east along the south coast into Kent – whilst being removed from Wales and parts of southwest England – to ‘reflect the area most likely to see heavier rainfall’.
The latest BBC Weather forecast for Sussex reads: ”This afternoon, it will become cloudy from the south, and by the evening, spells of rain will develop too. Turning windy as well.
“Tonight will be overcast and windy with patchy spells of rain lingering in places, these occasionally heavy.
“Tomorrow will continue overcast and wet, with outbreaks of heavy, persistent rain moving in from the south.
"Friday will be a mostly dry day with bright spells and a few areas of cloud. The odd shower is possible in the afternoon. Saturday will see a mix of bright spells and variable cloud, though it should be brighter in the morning. A mostly dry day.
"Sunday looks to be mostly overcast with the chance of a few spots of light rain in the afternoon and evening.”