UPDATE: Warnings As Strong Winds And Heavy Rain Sweep Across South Coast

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the South East of England with strong winds from Storm Ciarán likely to disrupt travel, utilities, and cause some structural damage.

What to expect

• Flying debris could result in a danger to life
• Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines and trees brought down
• Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
• Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

Winds of around 40mph are already forecast for this morning in some areas of Sussex, with speeds predicted to ramp up to over 60mph this evening and overnight.

Brighton seafront, this afternoon (Wednesday, Nov 1) Photo: Eddie Mitchell

The Met Office said to expect 'very strong west to southwesterly winds to develop on Thursday morning over parts of the far south and southeast of England where gusts are likely to reach 70-80 mph in some coastal areas and may exceed 85 mph in a few of the most exposed English Channel coastal spots. The extent of these high winds remains a little uncertain and is dependent on the exact track of Storm Ciarán. Winds will begin to ease from the west during the afternoon. Very large waves could bring additional impacts to coastal areas, especially along the English Channel coastline'.

Meanwhile some councils in Sussex are preparing residents for disruption to services, with this message to Chichester residents released on Tuesday:

Residents in the Chichester District are being warned that there is a chance services such as waste and recycling collections, could be disrupted from Wednesday 1 November, depending on the severity of Storm Ciarán.

If the weather is severe and it is unsafe for refuse collectors to operate, waste and recycling collections may have to be suspended.

The council is advising residents that if they are unable to empty bins, that they will send their crews out at the earliest opportunity, or on their next normal collection day.

It is also encouraging people to download the Chichester District Council app from the Apple store or the Google Play store and switch on the notifications, in order to receive personalised alerts and updates regarding waste and recycling collections. People can find out more about the app at: www.chichester.gov.uk/chichesterdcapp

If the council manages to empty bins, residents are advised to remove their bin from the highway as quickly as possible.

Strong winds are also likely to blow bins over and so residents are also being advised to consider where they place their bin.

The council is also discouraging people from visiting parks and green spaces during the storm for their safety.

Litter picking, road sweeping and the emptying of litter and dig bins will resume once the storm has passed.

The council has also pulled together a list of key information and contact details to assist people if they need help. This can be found at: www.chichester.gov.uk/stormciaranadvice

The RAC has issued a warning to drivers:

“It’s crucial drivers in the south and west of the UK take proper notice the Met Office’s warnings as the arrival of Storm Ciarán brings in some exceptionally strong winds - and some distinctly unpleasant driving conditions with it.

"Sticking to major routes, away from coasts and rural roads where there’s a greater chance of falling branches and trees, is a good policy.

"Drivers should keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and take particular care when passing high-sided vehicles, which can cause an unnerving buffeting effect that some people may not be familiar with. 

"While there’s a chance roads may be busier in the event of public transport disruption, we’d still advise anyone not confident driving in these sorts of conditions to consider delaying their journeys until Ciarán moves away later in the week.”