Conditions similar to those before the widespread floods of October 2000 had provoked fears that parts of Kent and Sussex would be submerged.

Heavy rain on Thursday led to flood warnings on part of the River Medway in Kent and the River Ouse in East Sussex.

But on Sunday, the Environment Agency said rain had eased up as it passed across the region, providing hope serious flooding could be avoided.

It is very much fingers crossed at the moment - we hope that we are going to get away with it Ray Kemp, Environment Agency

Spokesman Ray Kemp said: "The rain that is coming through is not as heavy as was predicted and it is being accompanied by a strong wind, which means it may clear quickly.

"It has already cleared Hampshire and should clear Kent in the next few hours, then it will just turn to drizzle and won't do much harm at all."

More rain is forecast for later during Sunday night, but is not expected to be sufficient to cause widespread flooding.

Mr Kemp added: "It is very much fingers crossed at the moment - we hope that we are going to get away with it but we are still on a knife edge and will be for the next few days."

The Environment Agency has put rivers in the area on 'Flood Watch' - its lowest level warning.

But it expects some to reach 'Flood Warning' level later, once the water has run off the hills, which could affect homes and businesses.