Do not return tonight: that's the advice from emergency services in West Sussex, newly given to people whose homes and businesses have been affect by flood waters.
Shortly before 6pm today (April 9), public services and emergency teams in West Sussex gave new information to people who early needed to leave properties in Littlehampton, Medmerry Park and elsewhere after the River Arun burst its banks, and sea water affected other areas.
West Sussex County Council said:
"All those who have been evacuated from these areas are being advised not to return to the areas affected by water due to further risk of high tides overnight.
"It is expected that calmer winds and reducing tides are due in the coming days, making the situation much better.
"In the meantime, all those affected have been evacuated and provided with all necessary support until they can return to their premises.
"The next steps will be to evaluate the damage caused to roads and other amenities.
"However, this will not be possible until the water has receded which we are anticipating over the next couple of days.
"At this time a full evaluation will be undertaken and any work needed to be carried out to rectify any issues will be put in place.
"The Environment Agency will also be evaluating flood defences but will not be able to do this until water subsides.
"We urge the public to continue to monitor local council social media feeds and websites for the latest information."
Film of the early hours in Littlehampton and Medmerry Park © 2024 Eddie Mitchell
It was at around midnight on the night of April 8th, and the morning of April 9th, that the River Arun burst its banks in Littlehampton, bringing floods to properties in and around Ferry Road and Rope Walk.
A little further west, water came into the the Medmerry Park holiday village, and also to some other nearby properties.
Emergency rescue crews were dispatched to all three sites, bringing workers from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Sussex Police and local authorities.
Rescuers said this morning that a total of 215 people had been evacuated.
Man Admits To Damaging Cars In Bognor
Two Men Arrested In Connection With Brighton Rape
Appeal Following Assault In Horsham Shop
Appeal After Arson At Gym In Burgess Hill
Two Men Sought In Connection With Brighton Rape
Councillors Support Baby Box Partnership With Charities
Brighton And Hove Bus Fare Cap Bid Foiled By Cost
New Medical Centre Scoping Exercise Agreed By Wealden Council
'Out Of This World' Ideas Put Forward For Future Of Brighton i360
New Fire Engines For West Sussex