A Flood Alert was issued for Groundwater flooding in West Dean, Singleton, Charlton, East Dean and Chilgrove in West Sussex on 9th March 2026. Affected watercourses included the Groundwater.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The River Rother at Lodsbridge rose 0.24m, peaking at 1.35m, while the River Lavant at Chichester Tozer Way climbed 0.06m.
Environment Agency advice issued
Groundwater is high, very close to the surface, but now falling. Springs will continue to appear, water will be in fields, small amounts of water will flow down roads, groundwater will affect the ability of the sewage network to operate in East Dean, Charlton, Singleton and West Dean, and may appear in a small number of basements. Bands of rain are forecast to move across the country on Wednesday 11/03/2026 and Friday 13/03/2026. However, only relatively small amounts of rain are currently predicted, and groundwater at at both Chilgrove and East Dean boreholes is expected to continue to fall.
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodsbridge | River Rother | +0.24m | 1.35m |
| Chichester Tozer Way | River Lavant | +0.06m | 13.38m |