Storm Goretti Brings Flooding, Power Cuts And Travel Disruption Across Sussex
- Dominic Kureen
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Storm Goretti has caused widespread disruption across Sussex, with flooding, power outages and difficult travel conditions reported in several areas.
Flooding was seen on a coastal road at Cooden Beach in Bexhill, while flood warnings were put in place for low-lying coastal locations including Climping in West Sussex and Pevensey.
Strong winds battered the south east, with gusts of up to 47mph recorded in Shoreham late on Thursday.
The Met Office also reported winds of up to 60mph in nearby parts of Kent during the early hours of Friday.
A yellow weather warning for wind covering coastal areas of Sussex and Kent was in force from Thursday afternoon until 8am on Friday.
UK Power Networks confirmed that some customers in Sussex were without electricity on Friday morning due to storm-related damage.
Engineers were sent out to deal with faults, with warnings that restoration could take longer in rural and exposed areas.
Travel disruption was reported across the county, with flooding affecting several roads.
Motorists were urged to avoid Herbrand Walk Coastal Road at Cooden Beach, while flooding was also reported along Barcombe Mills Road between the A26 and Barcombe village.
The A26 Uckfield Road in Crowborough was temporarily closed after a fallen tree partially blocked the road, although it has since reopened.
Bus services from Eastbourne were also diverted due to flooding in the Cross-in-Hand area near Heathfield.
Coastal damage was reported in several locations. Hastings Borough Council said parts of the lower promenade were covered in shingle, with beach huts at White Rock damaged.
Owners have been contacted and work is ongoing to secure the huts.
At Pevensey, the Environment Agency said waves of up to 4.5 feet caused erosion and damage, including the movement of some beach huts.
Officials said preparations ahead of the storm helped limit the impact.
Elsewhere, fallen trees blocked roads including the A29 at Watersfield, while flooding was reported at Lewes railway station bridge.
The Hove Prom Parkrun event scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled after organisers said the route was covered in pebbles and could not be cleared in time.
The Environment Agency said flood warnings, meaning flooding was expected, remained in place at Pevensey seafront and Climping.
Several flood alerts also continue across Sussex, covering coastal areas at Seaford, inland parts of the Pevensey Levels, and river catchments including the Rother, Mole and Upper Medway.
Residents in flood-risk areas are being advised to remain vigilant, avoid driving through floodwater and follow advice from local authorities.
The Met Office said winds were easing on Friday morning, but warned coastal areas could still see gusts of more than 30mph, along with further heavy rain and large waves.