Storm Ingrid: Sussex weather forecast revealed amid UK yellow warnings for wind and rain

A number of Met Office warnings are in force through Thursday (January 23), with further alerts issued for Friday and into Saturday.

The government agency said: “Much of Scotland is seeing persistent and heavy rain through the day on Thursday, with amber and yellow warnings issued. Yellow warnings for rain are also in force for much of Thursday for much of Northern Ireland, south Wales and parts of the southwest of England.

Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “We’ve already seen heavy rain for much of Scotland overnight on Wednesday into Thursday, and this is likely to continue through much of today.

“Within the amber warning area, some areas of high ground exposed to the strong southeasterly wind are likely to see in excess of 100 mm of rain through this event, whilst 50-80 mm is more probable for many places within the broader yellow warning.”

Warnings highlight the likelihood of fast-flowing or deep floodwater, travel disruption and the ‘chance of some communities being cut off’ due to flooding.

However, only a ‘few isolated showers’ are forecast for Sussex on Thursday.

The BBC’s latest forecast for the county predicts that it will turn ‘drier and bright’, once the ‘rain moves off to the north’.

“Tonight is expected to stay mostly dry for a time with clear spells,” the BBC Weather team added.

"Later on, cloud looks to develop again with a few patches of light rain. Staying breezy.

“Tomorrow (Saturday) will see patchy cloud and bright spells in the morning, but it will turn cloudier with further patchy rain later in the day and into the evening. Remaining breezy.

“Sunday will have a mostly cloudy and breezy day with some showers drifting in from the west. Brief brightness is still possible.

"Monday will have a cloudy start with a chance of drizzle. Spells of rain will move in from the west towards the end of the day and overnight. Tuesday will then be wet and windy with outbreaks of rain through much of the day.”

According to the Met Office, low pressure will ‘remain the driving force’ for much of the weekend’s weather in the UK – with a ‘mixture of winds and rain for many’.

It added: “While much uncertainty remains into the start of next week, there’s a chance of wintry hazards at times, particularly in the north and east with the possibility of snow for some.

"With an easterly influence, cold weather, especially for those in the northeast, is on the cards with the potential for snowfall accumulations in places, though it’s too early to specify exact details.”

Where warnings are in place, homeowners and renters should be prepared for possible flood damage, according to Confused.com.

Home insurance expert Matthew Harwood said: “With Storm Ingrid hitting parts of the UK today, flooding is becoming the main concern for many homeowners and renters. Sudden downpours can overwhelm drains and saturated ground, increasing the chance of water entering homes and causing serious damage.

“Flooding can be particularly costly because water spreads quickly and often affects floors, walls, electrical systems and belongings. Our research shows that the average insurance claim for flooding costs around £69,647 per incident. This makes it crucial for homeowners to understand that storms can cause real damage to homes and gardens, so being prepared is key. "Simple steps like closing windows and doors, bringing in garden furniture and unplugging electronics if lightning is forecast can help limit damage and keep you safe.”

If your property is damaged, here are some steps from Mr Harwood that can help make the claims process smoother:

– Call your insurer as soon as possible so they can guide you through your policy and confirm what is covered;

– Inspect your home, take clear photos of any damage and record the date and time;

– Keep damaged items as evidence to support your claim.

The insurance expert added: “The UK’s weather can be unpredictable, but preparing in advance and knowing your cover details can save a lot of stress and expense.

"Our guide on how to make a home insurance claim explains everything step by step to help homeowners and renters feel informed, confident and supported if they need to make a claim.”