Sussex: Storms Cause Flash Flooding

28 July 2014, 09:01

A lightning strike sparked disruption for rail passengers after it caused electrical supply problems, while commuters struggled through a hail storm described as a "zombie apocalypse".

The storms hit the Hove, Brighton and Worthing areas of Sussex at the start of the morning rush-hour, with trains heading along the south coast affected.

The lightning hit an electricity sub-station, causing power to the coastal rail route to be cut, although the main line to London was running normally, according to a Network Rail spokeswoman.

Network Rail said on its website: "Electrical supply problems caused by a lightning strike, near Hove, are causing delays of up to 30 minutes to trains between Worthing and Hove/Brighton.

"There is no firm estimate yet of how long disruption will last but it is likely to continue until at least 09.00."

Commuters posted on Twitter descriptions of heavy hail and localised flooding caused by the storms. Local residents said the storm started at 5.30am, leading to torrential rain.

Laurence Hill wrote: "Used to be roads. Now rivers of hail. Never seen anything like it."

Brighton and Hove Police posted: "Localised flooding in Hove and Portslade, some roads not passable. Please do not enter flood water on foot or in cars."

Brighton station tweeted: "At a stand west coastway #Worthing #Brighton Both ways due to zombie apocalypse #Brighton #Hove #Fishersgate #Portslade #Lancing #Shoreham"