Ananova:

Unceasing rain has left much of East and West Sussex under water and several main roads impassable.

Every available fire crew in East Sussex is taking part in a massive operation to pump flood water from properties while Environment Agency workers have tried to keep swollen rivers free flowing.

The River Teise and Lesser Teise and the River Beult in Kent are on Severe Flood Warnings - which means imminent risk to life and property.

Several drivers are stranded on flooded main roads and police have asked owners of four-wheel-drive vehicles to help out if they pass motorists in difficulty.

Uckfield is among the worst hit areas after more than 100 millimetres (3.9 inches) of rain in 24 hours. Weather experts have warned there could be another 40mm (1.5ins) to come in the next eight hours.

Other areas badly hit by the floods include Haywards Heath, Hassocks and Steyning in West Sussex and Tonbridge in Kent.

In East Sussex, dozens of minor roads are impassable. The A22 between Eastbourne and Uckfield, the A26 between Lewes and Uckfield and the A23 in the Brighton are closed. Rush hour motorists have been stranded in their cars and some had to sit on their vehicle roofs as floodwater continues to rise.

A Sussex Police spokesman says the situation is "very bad" across East Sussex and with heavy rain still falling and high tides due "things are going to get worse".

Train services are also being disrupted. The Uckfield line has been shut due to flooding at Eridge, between Crowborough and Edenbridge. Connex spokesman Dave Ewart said: "Our services have been very badly hit, particularly in East Sussex. The Uckfield line is not one of our busiest but hundreds of commuters will have been affected."

Firefighers are working within a huge section of East Sussex bordered by Brighton, Lewes, Uckfield and Wadhurst. Much of the area was under water. Brigade spokesman Dave Izod said: "I would say we are now at full stretch. Every crew we have is involved in some way or another."