Current update (1 March 2024)
Following sustained heavy rain, a flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for groundwater flooding in Patcham.
Areas at risk include Old London Road, parts of Church Hill and Mill Road where they meet the A23 and the Recreation Ground.
A flood alert means that if rain continues, any areas at risk should be prepared for flooding.
If your property is at risk and you have pumps to help manage water levels in cellars, please ensure they are operational.
Check for flood alerts
Although Brighton & Hove is a coastal city, surface and groundwater flooding are the most common types of flood.
Surface water
Surface water is unpredictable. We cannot give direct warnings for this type of flooding. Check local weather forecasts.
Find local weather forecasts on the Met Office website.
Groundwater
The Environment Agency checks groundwater levels. They give flood alerts for the Patcham area.
Check for flood alerts on GOV.UK.
Check flood risk maps
Flood risk maps show which parts of the city are most at risk from flooding. View flood risk maps on GOV.UK.
Report flooding
To report flooding, phone 01273 29 29 29.
If the flooding is coming from a sewer or there are visible signs of sewage, contact Southern Water.
Report out-of-hours
Phone 01273 29 22 29 to report a flood emergency on:
- weekends
- bank holidays
- from 4pm to 8pm on weekdays
Get flooding health advice
The UK Health Security Agency provides important information about health risks caused by flooding and how to recover from flooding.
Get advice from the Environment Agency on what to do during a flood.
Protect your property
Flood defence barriers
You should make your own arrangements to protect your property from flooding. In line with Environment Agency guidance, it's no longer advised to use sandbags to prevent property flooding. Property owners should seek alternative flood defence barriers.
The National Flood Forum has guidance on protecting your property from flooding.
Prepare for flooding
The Environment Agency gives information on how to prepare your property for flooding, complete a flood plan, and check the 5-day flood risk forecast.
Find more flood information and advice from the National Flood Forum.
Insure your property
You should talk to your insurance company about their policies.
Read advice from Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) on how to get flood insurance in high-risk areas.
Who to contact about flooding
For questions about the risk of flooding from surface water maps, phone 01273 29 29 29.
For questions about the flood risk maps for the sea, main rivers and reservoirs, phone the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 08459 881 188.
Find out what we’re doing to reduce the flood risk in the city and get updates on the Norton Road rain garden design consultation.