Storm Goretti: Flood warnings remain in place in East Sussex as rain and high winds persist across county
Flood warnings from the Environment Agency remain in place in East Sussex as rain and high winds persist across the county.
The flood warnings, which were issued by the Environment Agency, stated that flooding was ‘expected’ in Pevensey seafront and Barcombe Mills on the River Ouse.
The alert means that ‘immediate action is required to protect yourself and your property’.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency stated: “High river levels are expected to cause flooding on Friday in Barcombe Mills.
“Flooding is expected on January 9 from 7.30am, as a lot of rain fell in Storm Goretti (30mm).
“Flooding will affect fields (extensively). Barcombe Mills road and Anchor Lane are likely to be impassable. The Anchor Inn is expected to flood. Scattered showers could continue through Friday as Storm Goretti passes through the area.
"River levels and flood risk should begin to reduce by 04:00 10/01/2026. Saturday should remain fairly dry, but more intense rainfall could return on Sunday.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and operating our structures at Anchor Gates and Barcombe Mills.
“Activate any flood protection products you may have , including at Barcombe Mills. Avoid Barcombe Mills Road and Anchor Lane.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “High tides are expected to cause flooding on Friday.
“Flooding is expected for two hours either side of Friday's early morning tide at 2.30am on January 9.
Storm Goretti increases tide table values by 0.91 m. The total forecast tide is 7.57 metres Chart Datum (3.92 mAOD) at Eastbourne.
"A small number of beach top properties from Sovereign Harbour to Cooden Beach, including (but not exclusively) the Parade and Promenade, Pevensey Bay, Beachlands, Normans Bay and Herbrand Walk could be flooded.
"Coastal roads may be affected by water, shingle and other debris. Friday's tide at 14:45 09/01/2026 is forecast to be 106 cm lower (2.86 mAOD).
"Provided the beach is still in good condition, flood risk should reduce.
“We are checking flood defences at low tide we will check and maintain the condition of Pevensey beach.
“Don't put yourself or others at risk Danger - stormy seas. Avoid Pevensey beach and Herbrand Walk at high tide.
The Environment Agency also stated that flooding was possible at Combe Haven, Hollington Stream and the Rivers Tillingham and Brede, Upper Ouse, River Uck, Cuckmere River, River Rother and the coastal areas of Seaford seafront.
The alerts were the lowest level of three and means ‘flooding is possible. Be prepared to take precautions’.
A Met Office yellow weather warning – which came into force at 3pm on Thursday – remained in place until 8am on Friday.
The warning impacted those in Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Seaford, Brighton, Worthing.
A red warning for wind had been issued for the Isles of Scilly and most of Cornwall.
An amber warning for snow had also been issued for Wales, the Midlands and parts of northern England.
As Storm Goretti approaches, ‘winds will strengthen’ through Thursday afternoon – with the ‘strongest spell of winds during Thursday evening’.
Gusts of 50-60 mph are ‘likely fairly widely’ with 60-70 mph winds ‘along exposed coasts and hills’.