Meridian
21 updates
17 January 2014

Flooding causing major problems in parts of the South

There were major delays in Sussex this morning after flooding closed the Balcombe Tunnel. Flooding also caused queues on Sussex roads. Other parts of the South have been affected by heavy rain over night.

Live updates

The River Darent has burst its banks in West Kent. Tom Savvides talks to residents in Sundridge and Richard Knight from the Environment Agency.

This has been a very challenging day and we appreciate people’s patience while we have been dealing with unprecedented levels of rain and flooding on the line. Our engineers have been out on the track working hard to get trains running again.

However, there is more rain forecast this evening, which will be falling on already-saturated ground, and we are encouraging people to travel home earlier rather than later.”

– Tim Robinson, route managing director for Network Rail

Together with Network Rail, we have worked hard today to keep as many routes open as possible while flooding persists on parts of the Southern network. Currently, there is still flooding between Hurst Green and East Grinstead and Redhill to Tonbridge route where replacement buses are in operation where road conditions permit.

The line between Billingshurst and Horsham is also disrupted by floods. With more heavy rain anticipated later this afternoon and this evening, we are advising passengers to travel earlier if at all possible."

– Southern Trains

At 4pm, the Brighton Main Line is open with a limited service. Balcombe Tunnel was closed by flooding early this morning and reopened around 10.30am. Train operators are advising passengers to check before they travel.

Flooded railway lines at Bletchingley Tunnel Credit: Network Rail

Trains have been disrupted by flooding on routes into London from Sussex, following a night of heavy rain.

With more intense rain forecast this evening Network Rail and operator Southern are strongly advising people needing to travel through Sussex tonight to make their journey as soon as possible.

Passengers at Haywards Heath train station were told to tell their bosses they couldn't get to work and go home. The message came after flooding caused major disruption on the rails - and subsequent chaos on the roads.

Water levels at a tunnel at Balcombe rose to two feet during this morning's rush hour - forcing many to use replacement buses - or their cars.

But even those who chose to drive faced horrific tailbacks - with major delays on the A23 due to flooding - as well as the extra traffic. Charlotte Wilkins reports.