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Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Homes evacuated and people rescued from cars in Chichester and Bognor Regis - Chichester Observer
West Sussex firefighters were called out to yet more flooding incidents across Chichester and Bognor Regis yesterday (Monday, June 11).
Firefighters were called out to a nursing home at Main Road in Bosham at 10.22am. Elderly residents had to be evacuated and 100 sandbags were used to stop flooding into the home. Firefighters were at the scene until 8pm, pumping water from the basement of the nursing home.
At 11am two elderly residents had to be rescued from a car in flood water. They were suffering from hypothermia and had to be treated by ambulance paramedics.
Another two ladies were rescued from a car in flood water at Chequer Lane, Bosham, at 11.05am. A man was also rescued from a car in water at Cot Lane, Chidham at 11.31am.
At Fairlands, North Bersted, Bognor 20 people had to be evacuated from local housing because of the flooding at around 11.41am.
Sandbags were supplied to several houses in Pinehurst Park, Rose Green at 5.27am.
The fire service were called to Sea Lane at Felpham at 8pm to pump the River Rife into the sea. A high volume pump from Hove Fire Station was used to alleviate the flood water coming through the river. The Environment Agency was in attendance.
An inflatable recovery path was set up at Willow Brook in Middleton at 8.37pm to assist nine residents from flooded houses.
And finally three residents were evacuated from a house at Elmer Road in Middleton at 10.47pm and taken to a rest centre by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics. One man was given oxygen.
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Print this pageSource: www.chichester.co.uk
London presses Bahrain on reform - United Press International
LONDON, June 12 (UPI) -- Britain praised Bahrain for taking steps to address human rights concerns in the country but said more was needed from the government.
At least 50 people were killed during an uprising led predominately by Shiite minorities last year. The Sunni-led monarchy is said to be investigating recommendations outlined by an independent commission, though it's been criticized for its human rights record.
British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt met this week with authorities from Bahrain as well as members of the opposition.
In a briefing on his visit, Burt said from London that it was important that Bahrain move quickly on political reform in order to advance an inclusive political culture in the country.
Opposition parties in Bahrain had pulled out of a national dialogue in 2011 after the uprising challenged the Sunni monarchy.
Burt said London stood by Bahrain as a friend in the international community and was ready to help it usher in needed reforms.
"We stand ready to assist Bahrain as it tackles the challenges ahead, including help with reform of the judicial system, promoting human rights training in the police and other government services, and reducing sectarian tension through reconciliation," he said in a statement.
Source: www.upi.com
South East battered by THIRTY-SIX hours of continuous rain... sparking flood alerts at FORTY-SIX rivers - Daily Mail
- More than 40 flood alerts in place
- Brighton one of worst hit with nearly three times average rainfall for whole month in 11 days
- Torrential rain causes seven-mile M3 traffic jam causing three-hour delays, while 500 Oxford homes suffer power cuts
- Much of Riverside Caravan Park on Shripney Road, Bognor Regis, underwater today
- RSPCA stage dramatic two-hour rescue after herd of cattle left stranded in flooded field in West Sussex
- More than 70mm of rain fell in parts of country yesterday - but forecasters say first fortnight in July will be scorching
By Amy Oliver and Chris Parsons
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Forecasters today predicted that the unrelenting rain which has been battered Britain shows no signs of easing off - with another four inches of wet weather expected in the South East tonight and tomorrow.
Forty two areas have been put on flood alert today after nearly a month and a half's worth of rain fell on parts of the South East in 36 hours.
The South West and mid Wales have been worst hit by the rain which has battered Britain and in Wimbledon, London, it has been raining continuously since 4pm on Sunday.
Elsewhere Brighton has had nearly three times the average rainfall for the whole month in 11 days, and the Environment Agency still has flood warnings for the region.
Up to 30mm of rain is expected to fall in the next three hours while tomorrow up to 60mm could fall in parts of Cornwall.
Scroll down for live flood warning widget
Lapping waters: Felpham Way, in Felpham, Bognor Regis, was underwater today as were any unfortunate cars left parked on it
A river runs through it: The A259 Felpham Way in Felpham, Bognor Regis, resembles a river complete with floating cars today after the heavy rain
Messing about on the river: Locals wade through the flood water in a boat along the road in Felpham near Bognor Regis, West Sussex, today
In Felpham, Bognor Regis, the A259 Felpham Way resembled a river between the houses today after flood water rose almost waist-deep in places. Cars lay submerged and abandoned, while residents were spotted making use of boats if they had them.
The Environment Agency has issued more than 40 flood alerts across England and Wales, and five more severe flood warnings in the region. The South East is set to bear the brunt of the weather with 33 flood alerts followed by the Anglian region with five alerts in place.
The wet weather is set to continue for the coming days, and could take a turn for the worse on Friday.
Julian Mayes a forecaster for Meteogroup, said: 'The reason it has been so wet in the South is because the jet stream has switched from its normal position just to the north of Scotland to down over southern England this month, and depressions follow that feature.'
Water cycling: A man makes his way along the flooded road in Felpham, Bognor Regis today after the South East and mid Wales were worst hit by the rain which has battered Britain
No signs of receding: Resident John Sanson looks at the flooded road in Felpham Bognor Regis, from a safe vantage point today
On the other hand, Scotland is enjoying unusually dry weather for this time of year.
Glasgow has had 28mm (1.1in), and Oban, normally one of the wettest parts of the western Highlands, has had 9mm (0.4in) this month.
'It's a reversal of the average weather pattern,' Mr Mayes said. 'Normally it gets wetter as you go to the North West. This month it gets wetter as you go south.'
The South East has the most flood warnings in place today and was one of the worst affected areas yesterday. Flood waters coursed through homes, down roads and even closed a hospital yesterday. More than three inches, or 80mm, fell in parts of the country after the rains began on Sunday night.
Water world: Much of the Riverside Caravan Park on Shripney Road, Bognor Regis lies underwater today after the region was hit with nearly a month and a half's worth of rain in 36 hours
Floating city: The Riverside Caravan Park in Bognor Regis is subject to a flood alert from the Environment Agency today
Closed: Bracklesham Caravan Park on the edge of Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex, has been forced to close after being badly flooded
Not so Smart... A couple braved this flood in Hadham, Hertfordshire in their Smart car and miraculously made it through without conking out today
...Unlike these two: Two cars sit in the flood water in Hadham after not quite making it through the water today
DON'T WORRY, JULY'S GOING TO BE A SCORCHER
Those reaching for the how to immigrate handbook should be aware that scorching weather is predicted for the first two weeks of July AND for a two-week spell in August.
Long-range weather forecaster David King said London was set to 'swelter' during the second week of the Olympics, with temperatures hitting more than 30C.
Wimbledon will also bask in sunshine during the second week of the tournament - but only after rain has washed out the first week of tennis. Mr King, whose meteorological skills were used by the royal family when planning Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, said: 'Unfortunately this wet weather and cold easterly wind is going to stay with us now until the end of June.
'But the heat will arrive in the first week of July and last right through to the 15th. Temperatures might even get to 30 by the middle of the month.'
And despite the recent deluge of rain, Mr King said the hot, dry weather predicted for July and August would mean the drought in the South East was likely to continue into next year.
The 72-year-old amateur forecaster, who uses phases of the moon and his observations of nature to predict the weather, said by the end of the summer the drought would be worse than that of 1976 - when some households were even left without tap water.
Mr King, whose forecasts focus on London and the South East, also said there won’t be a repeat of last year’s glorious autumn.
He said: 'The first two weeks of September will be pretty good, but then rain storms will come in.'
In Wiggonholt, West Sussex nearly a month-and-a-half's worth of rain has fallen in just 36 hours. 72mm fell in the 36-hour period since Sunday evening. The average rainfall for the area is 52.9mm
The avevage rainfall for the whole of June in the South-East is just two inches, or 50mm.
The Environment Agency warned of further rain across the South East today and unsettled weather for the rest of the week. Although there was a lower than forecast amount of rain overnight, more heavy rain is expected into the weekend, it added.
Heavy rain is expected to continue today across the southeast and parts of East Anglia likely resulting in flooding, especially in Sussex and Hampshire. Around 15 to 25mm of rain has been forecast in the worst affected areas in the South today.
Met Office forecaster, Dan Williams, said: '15 to 25mm isn't particularly significant but when it comes on top of the rain we've already had it is significant and increases the potential for flooding.'
He added the continuous rain was 'reasonably unusual but not unprecedented' for this time of year.
Julia Simpson, the Environment Agency's regional duty manager, added: 'Some rivers have stabilised but others are yet to peak as the water moves through, so we could potentially see further flood alerts and flood warnings being issued.'
The torrential rain caused a seven-mile long traffic jam on the busy M3 motorway this morning leaving commuters three hours late for work.
Two lanes were closed on the Southbound carriageway between Fleet and Hook, Hants, as flood drains blocked.
Motorist Dan Newson, 24, said: 'I was travelling to work at around 5am, it usually takes no time at all to get there but I was almost three hours later for work.'
A Tesco supermarket’s bakery in Cosham, Hants, was evacuated after isles flooded due to a drain inside the store spouting out water.
As river levels continued to rise to dangerous levels today, nearly 500 homes in Oxford were hit by power blackouts.
It meant a cold breakfast and no hot water for families in the north of the city around the Summertown area. Southern Electric spokesman Hannah Gleave said about 470 homes in the area had been affected, with power going off at 6am.
And yesterday a seven-strong team of RSPCA officers staged a dramatic two-hour rescue after a herd of cattle became trapped in a flooded field in Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex after the River Arun burst its banks.
Inspector Rosie Russon, who led the specialist water rescue team, said: 'The farmer was really worried that they were going to drown because the water had reached 5ft and was still rising.
'The cattle were stuck on a small patch of the field and we had to persuade them to walk through 5ft of fast flowing water to get to the gate and out on the lane so they could be moved to another field.
In Hook, Hampshire, a woman had to be rescued from her car by firefighters after her vehicle became stuck in floodwater as she followed directions on her satnav.
The driver, from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, accidentally drove into a ditch at 11.55am today - she could not see the edge of the road because of the water levels, according to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The dreadful conditions are set to continue into tomorrow as well. Showers, some heavy are expected to hit northern and western parts of the UK and there’s also a risk of thunder for Wales and in the south west.
Wet play day: A seagull swoops in to a flooded public park in Worthing, Sussex, after rain continued to pound the region today
Wading in June: A couple wade through flood water at Barnham near Chichester yesterday after heavy rain led to widespread flooding across the country
Not 99 weather: A trio trudge along Brighton seafront as the rain lashes down today. Parts of Sussex have been the worst affected in the deluge
cow-tastrophe: A herd of cattle had to be rescued from a flooded field in West Sussex, yesterday by the RSPCA after the River Arun burst its banks
Spraying the roadside: A car drives through a large puddle on a road amid persistent rain in the village of Winchfield, Hampshire, today
Dangerous: The standing water was a hazard on the road in Winchfield as cars and lorries were forced to slow down to cross it today
Hazardous: A lorry prepares to negotiate standing water on the A33, which is closed due to flooding in Chineham near Basingstoke, Hampshire yesterday. The Environment Agency has put out more than 40 flood warnings across the country
Be aware: The map on the left shows the rain concentrated in the South East while the map on the right shows the majority of red flood warnings are located in the South East and East Anglia today
The sun may show itself briefly on Thursday but it will be replaced by persistent rain for those in the south west and south Wales through the day.
And on Friday an area of heavy rain is expected to move northwards across the UK. The south can look forward to frequent heavy downpours with a risk of thunder.
Yesterday, Butlins holiday camp told holidaymakers not to come after many of the roads in and out of Bognor Regis were closed by police due to the adverse weather and heavy flooding.
It managed to reopen to guests today after the worst of the water receded.
Meanwhile, scientists are to investigate whether severe flooding has polluted land with toxic metals.Parts of Ceredigion in mid Wales were flooded by 5ft of water, with record high river levels in parts on Saturday.
A major clean-up operation continues in Aberystwyth and the nearby villages of Talybont, Dol-y-Bont and Llandre and other areas affected by the flooding. There are fears that some areas could have been contaminated with harmful metals from abandoned mines.
A team from Aberystwyth University is to survey the catchment areas of the rivers Leri, Rheidol and Ystwyth.
Mark Macklin, a professor of physical geography at Aberystwyth University, said the force of the flood waters could have eroded river banks which stored harmful metals, including lead and zinc.
He told BBC Wales: 'Much of Ceredigion was affected by metal mining, but most of it finished before the start of World War One. As a result of the mining, rivers and river banks in the area have been contaminated from the mines themselves right the way down to the sea.
'There are concerns that farmland has been contaminated and this could pose a risk to animals and crops. We’ll take fresh flood deposits, such as silt, and they will be chemically analysed. We will, hopefully, have some answers in a month or so.'
West Sussex was hit hard yesterday, with at least 26 apartments flooded in Littlehampton and firefighters receiving 200 flood-related calls.
The basement of Worthing Hospital was also under water, forcing emergency patients to be diverted to neighbouring Brighton and Chichester for several hours.
But the disruption from the deluge was not contained to the south coast. In Leeds, heavy rain caused drains to back up and roads and homes to flood, with water up to four feet deep.
Overflowing drains also caused 20 beaches on the Kent coast to be closed when raw sewage ran into the sea.
The occupants of two cars had to be rescued from floodwater just half a mile from each other in Southwick, Hampshire, in separate incidents.
A man was rescued from his 40ft barge after rising river levels pinned it against a pontoon in Worcestershire.
Rain-cation: Bedraggled tourists cross a Union flag-lined Mall in the downpour as heavy rain hit the capital causing miserable conditions for many yesterday
Dark and stormy: The UK is shrouded in rain clouds on a weather map this morning
SEND US YOUR PICTURES
Have you taken any good weather pictures? From flooding in your area to people splashing in puddles we want to see them. Send them for publication - with plenty of caption detail - to the Mail Online on the email address: mailonlinepictures@dailymail.co.uk
And in Bracknell, Berkshire, Fox Hill Primary School was closed on the first day back after half-term as its drains could not cope with the rainfall.
Sports fans also suffered disappointment with all the first-day matches at the Queen’s Club tennis tournament in London postponed and cricket abandoned at the Test match between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston.
Rita Haskett, 69, who came from Taunton, Somerset, to watch the tennis, said: ‘This is the third time we have come to Queen’s and this is the worst weather we have had. It just hasn’t stopped raining.’
Elsewhere, the RSPCA said it was working closely with fire services to rescue stranded animals, including 20 cows at Cuckfield Road near Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, left marooned on a river bank.
Gemma Plumb, of forecasters Meteogroup, said there would be more rain and overcast skies for the rest of the week.
Incredibly, despite the torrential conditions, the Met Office said the UK was still below its average rainfall for the year. Between January and May, 392.5 millimetres of rain fell across the country, compared with an average of 439 millimetres.
In southern England – including drought-hit areas in East Anglia, the South East and the Thames Valley – 281.8 millimetres of rain fell from January to May. The average is 303.2 millimetres.
Meanwhile, a special disaster fund is to be set up after more than 1,500 people were moved from their homes and 150 rescued in Mid Wales over the weekend.
No, not Spain but Cornwall: A woman makes the most of the sunshine before the next shower on Gylly Beach Falmouth today
Brooding sky: But revellers may not be out in Falmouth for long as dark clouds start to gather today
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
London 2012: Danny Boyle Details Olympics Opening Ceremony Plans - Hollywood Reporter
LONDON -- Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle plans to transform the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics into a surreal vista of a "green and pleasant land" at the newly built host stadium in Eastern London.
Boyle, wearing his hat as London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony artistic director, will orchestrate a cast of thousands of people and live animals, including 12 horses, 10 chickens, nine geese and 70 sheep.
Also on show before any athlete has performed will be a village cricket team; a model of Glastonbury's Tor (Hill), known for the world-famous music festival; and a parade of nurses.
Each of the four nations in the United Kingdom will be represented by their national flower -- the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the daffodil of Wales and flax from Northern Ireland.
PHOTOS: Sundance London – Highlights from the Film and Music Festival
The opening scene promises real grass, real plows, real soil and, according to Boyle, clouds that would supply "rain" if there is none on the night in order to ensure an authentically British atmosphere.
"The ceremony is an attempt to capture a picture of ourselves as a nation, where we have come from and where we want to be," Slumdog Millionaire director Boyle said. "The best part of telling that story has been working with our 10,000 volunteers."
He also told gathered media Tuesday that there will be British humor and that the country's history will be represented, but "not in a box-ticking way," and that the show will reflect "parts of our heritage but looking forward as well."
To date, a total of 157 cast rehearsals have taken place, with volunteer performers giving up their evenings and weekends to take part in preparations at a site to the east of London.
STORY: Where to Eat and Sleep Chic During the London Games
The ceremonies prop store at the East London studio facility 3 Mills Studio is producing 2,956 props, and staff in the costume department are working to produce 23,000 costumes for all four ceremonies. The work includes sewing 24,570 buttons onto the costumes for one of the opening sequences.
Boyle already had revealed that the three-hour Opening Ceremony would be entitled "Isles of Wonder," a title based on a speech by Caliban in Shakespeare's The Tempest that will be referenced throughout the four ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Boyle said the opening show would not be a musical but a narrative set to music.
British electronica band Underworld has recorded two lengthy tracks at Abbey Road to score the action. The Closing Ceremony promises to be a more traditional celebration of British music.
The ceremonies will cost a total of £81 million ($126 million).
The British government recently said it was pumping in an extra $64.3 million from a $14.6 billion public sector funding package to double the budget for the Games ceremonies, justifying the move by saying it was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to promote the U.K.
The opening evening is expected to run as an hourlong cultural extravaganza before the traditional parade of athletes and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron and the fireworks.
Boyle said the giant bell will ring to begin the show.
The London Olympics run July 27-Aug. 12.
Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
Sussex on flood alert (From The Argus) - The Argus.co.uk
Live: Sussex on flood alert
6:36am Tuesday 12th June 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway
Sussex is on flood alert after a month's worth of rain fell in just 12 hours - with experts warning of more to come.
The deluge forced people out of their flooded homes while animals stranded in fields resembling rivers had to be rescued.
Officials warned residents in the worst hit areas to prepare as rain continues to fall today into the county's swollen rivers.
As of 4.10pm, two flood warnings were in place at Aldingbourne Rife at Bersted and Felpham. Less urgent flood alerts were in place at:
- Upper Arun
- Lower Arun
- Barnham Rife and Aldingbourne Rife at Barnham and Yapton,
- Bosham Stream
- the River Adur and the tributaries from Burgess Hill to Henfield
- the Ifield Brook
- River Mole (Gatwick Airport, Crawley)
- the Upper Ouse from Swaffham to Barcombe Mills
Driving conditions are treacherous this morning across the county.
There are renewed risks of further flooding, the Environment Agency has warned.
Forecasters have revealed there will be no respite from the rain over coming days.
The EA said there is a "continued" risk of surface water flooding from overwhelmed drains across parts of East and West Sussex.
In a statement issued at 11am on Tuesday, Julia Simpson, Environment Agency regional duty manager, said: “With rain forecast for every day this week and potentially heavy rainfall at the weekend, we want people to stay aware of the risk of further flooding.
"Many roads have experienced surface water flooding and motorists are strongly advised to keep out of dangerous flood water and not to attempt to drive through it.
“We are working with the communities who have been affected by flooding over the past few days and we urge everyone to remain vigilant ahead of further rainfall this week. Some rivers have stabilised but others are yet to peak as the water moves through, so we could potentially see further flood alerts and flood warnings being issued.
"We continue to work around the clock with our emergency partners and have been clearing trash screens, closing flood gates, operating flood storage areas, removing debris from known hotspots and warning and informing the public about the possibility of flooding.
"Teams also continue to monitor river levels across the South East and the weather ahead of more rainfall forecast for the remainder of the week.
"We urge people to check the Environment Agency website for the latest situation and to sign up to flood warnings for your local river."
Wiggonholt in West Sussex received the biggest lashing with 63 millimetres of rainfall during the last 24 hours. "It is June's rainfall in one day," said Victoria Kettley, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.
Meanwhile, Brighton has had nearly three times the average rainfall for the whole month in 11 days. The wet weather is set to continue for the coming days, and could take a turn for the worse on Friday.
Julian Mayes, a forecaster for Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "The highest total - apart from mid Wales - is for Brighton, which has had 122mm (4.8in) of rain since the start of June. To put that into perspective, the average for the whole month is 50mm (2in)."
Despite the heavy rainfall, an Environment Agency spokesman confirmed areas of southern England remained in drought.
He said: "The rain we have had since the start of April - following the driest March for 70 years - has led to a huge improvement in water resources, putting us in a much more positive position for the summer.
"Water companies have seen reservoir levels rise, river levels are mostly back to normal, and many wildlife habitats that were suffering due to a lack of water have recovered.
"While the risk of drought with further water restrictions and associated environmental impacts this summer has reduced, the situation could deteriorate again next year if there is not enough rain this winter, particularly as groundwater levels are still low for this time of year."
The Met Office said the UK was still below its average rainfall for the time of year.
Between January and May, 392.5 millimetres of rain fell across the country, compared to an average of 439 millimetres.
Incidents- updated 16.10pm
- A fallen tree near the junction of the the A27 and A24 in Worthing is causing delays to commuters. Traffic reports suggested the road remains closed both ways, just west of the Offington Corner roundabout, alongside Durrington Cemetery.
- West Sussex Fire and Rescue reported that the volume of calls to its centre had steadied overnight. A spokeswoman said its crews were still out pumping water where it could. She added the worst affected areas were the Felpham and Middleton areas of Bognor. Some properties were under five to six feet of water.
- A group of elderly people in the Elmer area of Bognor had to be rescued and were taken to the Arun rescue centre in Felpham.
- Those staying at Butlin's holiday park in Bognor said last night they had to be reallocated rooms as water in some blocks had reached waist height. Others due to visit have been turned away by staff.
- Emergency teams warned last night that access to Bognor remains difficult as all three main routes are blocked A29, A259 and Elmer Road. Last night its teams focussed on pumping water away from the A259 to reopen the road.
- Crews from Hove Fire Station assisted colleagues in West Sussex in pumping water from properties and areas in Littlehampton. By 10am a number of roads had reopened, incuding the A259 Bognor to Chichester and A27 Chichester to Emsworth.
- RSPCA officers saved a herd of cows from drowning after a river next to their field burst its banks.
Its team of Animal Welfare Officers were scrambled at 7pm on Monday night when a farmer called for help to save his herd of 21 cows which become trapped in their field in Old Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Heath, when the nearby River Arun burst its banks. Inspector Rosie Russon, who led the specialist water rescue team, said: “The farmer was really worried that they were going to drown because the water had reached 5ft and was still rising.” (see below for video) - The Gables at Ifield, Crawley, was yesterday feared to be in danger of flooding and the council were preparing for a possible evacuation. However, no problems have been reported this morning, and the building was dry overnight. Flood defences remain in place for now and there is a full complement of staff.
- There is still one inch of water in the electric room of Kings Lodge Nursing home in Bosham and pumps remained in place overnight. Staff are currently awaiting dehumidifiers for the kitchen and laundry and will work with their sister property Belmont Castle to get these services provided from here. Fourteen residents remained in the property overnight and some residents are being brought back this morning with their own minibuses. A full complement of staff is available and there are no further support requirements.
- All residents of Margerie Cobby House, Selsey, are safe and a full complement of staff is available. Power is being provided from a generator which provided support from 2am, and phones are working.
- Southern Water's fleet of tankers has been sent across the county to remove stormwater from its sewerage system. The company says an investigation has been launched, but it appears all sites were working and were simply overwhelmed by the deluge.
- Sussex Police Specialist Search Unit and district officers along with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service colleagues are wading and using inflatable crafts where necessary to reach some 250 vulnerable homes, knocking on doors and searching homes to make sure people are safe and receive the help they need. Residents are being taken to Arun Leisure Centre in Felpham. So far 10 people are being looked after and offered the support of designated housing officers to help secure alternative accommodation and liaise with insurance companies.
Send us your wet weather pictures. Email them to news@theargus.co.uk or text them to 80360 starting your message with SUPIC.
Road closures currently in effect:
A285 Petworth Bridge to Cottershaw Bridge; Monteswood Lane, Hayward Heath; Ifield Avenue, Crawley; A259 Felpham; A29 Shripney; Elmer Road, Bognor; Ancton Lane, Bognor; B2149 Station Road, Rustington; B2140 South Terrace between Fitzalan Road and Pier Road; Angmering village; fear river over road on A272 Newbridge just west of Billingshurst
Roads passable with care but causing long delays:
A259 Bognor to Chichester now open; A27 Chichester to Emsworth now open; B2233 Yapton Road open with minor flooding at junction of B2132 but passable
School closures
Bartons Infant School, Bognor; Edward Bryant Primary School, Bognor; Felpham Community College, Bognor; West Wittering Parochial Church of England School, Chichester
Ticklemetoo Playschool, Littlehampton will be closed until Monday. A week will be added on at the end of the summer term.
Send us your wet weather pictures. Email them to news@theargus.co.uk or text them to 80360 starting your message with SUPIC.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
Plymouth's Tom Daley so excited after getting call for London 2012 Olympic Games - this is plymouth
TOM DALEY admitted he is already getting 'really excited' after the city diving superstar was named in the Great Britain squad for this summer's Olympics.
Plymouth Diving's Daley will lead the Great Britain charge in both the men's individual 10m platform and the synchro events at the London Games.
Daley made certain of his place in the teenager's own 'dream Games' by winning a gold medal at the British Championships which doubled as Olympic trials at Sheffield's Ponds Forge at the weekend.
The former world champion scored a total of 547 points in the individual, outscoring Waterfield who ended the dive-off with 452.
Britain's new national champion will be joined in both events by individual runner-up Peter Waterfield, while Daley's club-mates Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow have both been picked for the women's 10m synchro.
Although the most casual observer of diving would have assumed Daley was a shoo-in for London 2012, for the 18-year-old European champion to see his name on the list was clearly a relief.
And, he said, a reward for the self sacrifice and long hours spent training for the globe's biggest sporting event.
Daley said: "It is very exciting. It feels really great to be finally named in the Great Britain Olympic team.
"After all the training hours I've had to put in and all the thousands of dives, it feels so good to know I'm going to be there."
Daley acknowledged that because of his own excellent form this year the level of national expectation for him to medal will have been cranked up a couple of notches more.
But the teenager insisted his rivals, notably China's number one Qiu Bo, will also be feeling the strain the closer the Briton gets to him at world-class tournaments.
Daley said: "The pressure is going to be massive for everyone. It comes down to whoever deals with it the best.
"Qiu Bo has never been to an Olympic Games, so he's not going to know what it's like.
"There will be a lot of pressure on him, because he's the favourite and from China.
"And, gradually, everyone's scores around the world are getting higher and higher and therefore, closer to him."
The Plymothian believes having taken part in one Olympic Games already will work to his advantage.
Daley said the experience could be key to how he handles the pressure in London.
He said: "I think it helps massively to have been able to compete in the Olympics in Beijing.
"I've gained the experience of being at one. If I hadn't gone there (Beijing), it could have been a little bit overwhelming, being at home and all."
Daley admitted his own form in the lead up to next month's Olympics had been very pleasing, to say the least.
The 2008 Olympic finalist in Beijing, at the age of just 14 years and reigning Commonwealth Games champion ended this year's prestigious World Series as number one and then reclaimed the European individual crown in Eindhoven last month.
Daley, though, while delighted with those awards, said he is looking forward, with all his thoughts concentrated on the Aquatics Centre.
"The Olympics is the major event of the year and that is what you want to peak for. Everything is focused and concentrated on the Games in London," said Daley.
"Yes, I want to do well in every single competition I take part in, because I'm competitive.
"Everything I do, I want to do to the best of my ability: I'm a perfectionist.
"I go into every competition trying to win, because that's my nature.
"The only thing I can focus on is myself as diving is such an individual sport, not like tennis, for example, where you can hit a ball in one direction and your opponent will hit it back in another.
"With diving, you do what you do and hope it's good and the other divers will do exactly the same for themselves."
Daley said he is becoming confident at mastering what he considers his most difficult dive – the forward 4½ somersault, but insisted he will not be resting on his laurels.
"To be honest, I find all the dives very hard but the forward 4½ I consider my hardest. But I've been doing them a lot more consistently and doing them better," said Daley.
"It's difficult making sure I get that dive right and the others in (his tariff), too, and going into every competition trying to do the best I can."
Ever the realist, Daley said that while it is his goal to top the podium at the Olympics, he does not dream about medalling, just competing.
He said: "Obviously, it's my dream to win a gold medal, and that's any athlete's dream, isn't it?
"But whenever I dream about appearing at the Olympics, I'm just doing my dives, but I never see the scoreboard so I don't know where I'm going to end up.
"For me, it's all about doing everything I can beforehand to make sure I'm well prepared to compete at the Olympic Games."
Daley said his next event is the Olympics but that his schedule is showing no sign of relaxing.
"No, it's kind of scary knowing that the next competition I take part in will be at the Olympics," said Daley.
"It's all very busy for us. We're going to be training twice a day, five times a week.
"We (Team GB) all go to Majorca today for a training camp and then we go to the Olympic pre-camp on July 24, which is a complete lock-down and focused on preparing for the Games.
"That'll be at the Aquatics Centre and it will really be make or break time for me."
Source: www.thisisplymouth.co.uk
I have spent time on the met office web site and there is absolutely no evidence of 4 inches of rain in the next 24 hours in the south east, in fact the next two days offer a brief respite before the next lot on Friday. Another misleading and scaremongering headline from the DM forecasting service.
- Brett Boniface, Bexhill, East Sussex, 12/6/2012 20:27
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