Sussex train delays expected as heavy rain raises flood risk

Rail passengers in Sussex have been warned of possible delays and cancellations as heavy rain raises the risk of flooding on railway lines following weeks of dry weather.

Network Rail said water may struggle to soak into ground hardened by the prolonged dry spell. It has deployed inflatable barriers, cleared debris from drains and is building pumping stations at known flooding hotspots. The warning follows two recent derailments, including one in Lewes on August 13 in which three people were injured.

Experts warned that sudden downpours could disrupt services, with flooding and softened ground potentially leading to speed restrictions. John Lawrence, chairman of the railway technical network at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said measures are also being taken to protect electrical equipment from floodwater and allow services to resume more quickly.