Flooding brings parts of Sussex to a standstill

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Interviewees: Alfred Dube, Passenger & John Halsall, Network Rail & Saskia O'Donaghue, Stranded passenger & Martin Portwood, Rescued Motorist

Heavy rain has led to flooding across parts of Dorset, Kent and Surrey, with large parts of Sussex at a standstill.

The M23 in West Sussex was closed both ways between Junction 10 for Crawley and Junction 11 for Pease Pottage on Friday because of flooding.

Sussex Police and traffic officers from Highways England worked throughout the day to clear the water.

The motorway re-opened at around 2.30pm.

Credit: Sussex Roads Police

There was major disruption across the Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express network for most of Friday.

There was widespread flooding across Balcombe in West Sussex which halted services between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges for some time.

Network Rail apologised for the disruption and has thanked passengers for their patience.

For the latest updates on the Southern Railway network click here.

Flooding was also reported in Hever and Crowborough.

As a result, services did not run to and from Buxted and Uckfield.

Credit: Network Rail

Meanwhile, a landslip between Guildford and Godalming blocked the line.

Rail services through this area were cancelled, delayed or revised.

Credit: Network Rail

Click here for the most up to date information on the South Western Railway network.

Services were halted between Wokingham and Ascot after a train hit a car on a level crossing in Wokingham.

It happened along Waterloo Road at around midnight on Thursday. Luckily no-one was injured.

  • For further information about the latest flood warning from the Met Office click here

  • For further details about how to report flooding and protect your home click here

Firefighters in Kent and Sussex were called to Wadhurst on Friday morning to rescue a man who was stuck after driving through flood water in Coppins Road in Leigh near Tonbridge.

Kent Fire and Rescue service also received calls about flooding in Ashford and Maidstone.