The railway line into and out of Brighton has flooded at Patcham.
Trains will be diverted via Lewes tomorrow (Monday 17 February) and replacement buses will also be running.
Southern said today (Sunday 16 February): “Network Rail and Southern have been monitoring ground water levels at Patcham, near Preston Park, for several days as this has been identified as a high risk flood site.
“The Environment Agency identified that when groundwater reached 47 metres above normal levels, there is a strong probability of flooding of the railway line in this area.
“This level was reached on Saturday night and the water continues to rise at around 4cm per hour.
“This has now caused flooding of the signalling equipment with an expectation that more significant flooding will occur.
“This means it will not be possible for us to operate our normal service on Monday 17 February.
“Instead, we will be running a reduced alternative service with services between Haywards Heath and Brighton being diverted via Lewes.
“A half hourly service will run between Hassocks and Haywards Heath, calling at Burgess Hill and Wivelsfield.
“Rail replacement buses will run from Brighton to Hassocks.
“If possible buses will call at Preston Park but we have been advised of a risk roads may flood so this will be kept under review.
“Passengers for London should change at Haywards Heath.
“Passengers for London from stations east of Worthing and the east coast should travel via Lewes.”
