West Sussex is still under flood warnings, following a devastating storm that caused mass evacuations. On Tuesday, the River Arun burst its banks, displacing over 200 people, as gale-force winds combined with rain and high tides in the region. The Environmental Agency has stated that an early morning tide on Wednesday was higher than average because of the gale-force winds and large waves, and expected Wednesday’s afternoon tide to be very similar.
Officials have told residents of East Wittering, Bracklesham coast, Medmerry, Climping, and Littlehampton Rope Walk to remain alert and cautious as flooding continues. One person was taken to hospital, and 180 were evacuated overnight on Tuesday at the Medmerry Holiday Park, between Bracklesham and Selsey; at Bracklesham Caravan and Boat Club in Chichester, 20 people were evacuated.
Lee, who had been staying at Medmerry, describes losing all his tools, work laptops, and clothes, stating that he had woken up to his bed “rocking and floating on water,” and his van fully submerged. Sherrie Streetley, the manager of Bracklesham, states how unbelievable the flood had been, despite the sandbags. Damage was minimal, but a clean-up operation was still organized.
Hampshire also had its highest recorded tides early Tuesday morning. New Forest District Council is assessing damages, preparing to remove beach huts battered by storm Kathleen, however, beach renters won’t be billed. Beach huts were teetering on the cliff edge due to adverse weather conditions.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More