STORM Eunice caused havoc across Sussex yesterday, with a rare red weather warning issued and people urged to stay indoors.

The travel network, homes and services were all affected by one of the worst storms in a generation.

Strong winds caused widespread damage, drivers faced dangerous conditions on the roads, and there was severe disruption to public transport.

The Argus: In Downsway, Southwick, a £30,000 Range Rover was flattened by a huge tree that was uprooted by the high winds.In Downsway, Southwick, a £30,000 Range Rover was flattened by a huge tree that was uprooted by the high winds.

In Downsway, Southwick, a £30,000 Range Rover was flattened by a huge tree that was uprooted by the high winds.

The Met Office warned that flying debris could cause “danger to life”, as the forecaster ramped up the alert level to red, meaning extremely strong winds were likely.

Another Range Rover in Cleveland Road, Brighton, narrowly missed out on being crushed by a tree, however the timber blocked the entire road, causing lengthy delays.

The Argus: Brighton Palace Pier closed for the day due to Storm EuniceBrighton Palace Pier closed for the day due to Storm Eunice

Many drivers were stopped in their tracks as trees fell across carriageways, including the road approaching East Grinstead railway station.

A telegraph pole blocked motorists heading along the A22 Hailsham bypass and the A267 from Cross-in-Hand to Frant.

Access to Old Shoreham Road in Hove was blocked by a large tree that had split down the middle, with its branches blocking the road.

A tree in Wavetree Road, Goring, narrowly missed a car and fell across the street.

Sussex Roads Police said its officers had been working hard to keep roads clear.

A spokesman said: “We have all been working flat out dealing with a lots of fallen trees due to Storm Eunice trying to keep roads open.

“A huge thank you to all the tree surgeons, and other people who have stepped up to help us and their community.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue service warned people to stay away from Brighton and Hove seafront due to flying debris and loose scaffolding.

In a video taken at Rockwater restaurant and bar in Western Esplanade, Hove, outdoor furniture including large sofas could be seen being lifted by strong winds and blown straight over the balcony.

The Argus: The video, filmed from inside Rockwater, Hove, shows several sofas and chairs whizzing past the windows.The video, filmed from inside Rockwater, Hove, shows several sofas and chairs whizzing past the windows.

The promenade outside Marrocco’s restaurant and ice-cream parlour flooded, with the tide rising on to the promenade.

Pebbles were scattered across the pavement.

Brighton and Hove City Council urged people to stay away from the seafront as flying stones could cause injuries.

The coastguard warned that the seafront would be a “particularly dangerous place to be”during the storm.

The Argus: Storm Eunice battered the Sussex coastStorm Eunice battered the Sussex coast

Issues on the road and disruption to public transport meant many people were unable to travel.

Southern Rail and Thameslink urged all passengers not to travel and place speed restriction of 50mph across the network.

Both operators warned those determined to travel that they could not “guarantee” that they would be able to complete their journey, and that replacement transport was not available.

Gatwick Airport also warned travellers that there could be disruption to flights and urged passengers to take extra care, arrive at the airport earlier and check with airlines for flight information.

Brighton and Hove and Big Lemon bus services were also affected by the storm.

Across the county, attractions remained closed due to the dangerous” weather caused by the storm.

The British Airways i360, Brighton Palace Pier and the Brighton and Hove Albion Club Superstore all shut for the day.

National Trust properties including Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, Petworth House and Park and Wakehurst Kew Gardens, Haywards Heath were also closed.

Raystede Animal Rescue Centre near Lewes said it had suffered “severe damage” in the storm, and that it will remain closed throughout the weekend.

A spokeswoman said: “Raystede has experienced extensive storm damage and will remain closed.

“Thankfully, all our animals and the staff on site caring for them are safe, but we have a lot of clearing up and repairs to do”

Coronavirus vaccination services at Churchill Square in Brighton were called off for the day over “safety concerns”.

A spokesman for the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust said: “For safety reasons our vaccination centres at Northgate Chichester and Churchill Square Brighton are closed today due to Storm Eunice.

“They will reopen on Saturday. We are contacting anyone with an appointment to offer an alternative. We are sorry for any inconvenience.”

While the red weather warning for Storm Eunice has experienced, The

Met Office has issued a yellow

weather warning for wind covering the entire south coast and almost all of Sussex.

As the major clean-upoperation continues today, the warning said that “further strong winds are expected in some southern areas of the UK, which could hamper recovery efforts from Storm Eunice”.

Gusts of up to 60mph are expected in coastal areas.

There is also a small chance that some roads and bridges could close and that road, rail and air services could continue to be affected.

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