An amber weather warning for wind has been issued for most of Sussex due to Storm Ciaran.

The Met Office warning is in place from 6am to 8pm on Thursday and covers most of the county, including Chichester, Brighton, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Very strong winds associated with the storm may cause disruption to travel and utilities and cause some structural damage.

The weather service has warned that Storm Ciaran could bring down power lines and trees and send debris flying, which could result in a “danger to life”.

There is also the potential for large waves and beach material to be thrown onto the seafront.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “On Thursday morning, very strong west to south-westerly winds will develop over parts of the far south and southeast of England, where gusts are likely to reach 70 to 80mph in some coastal areas and may exceed 85mph 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 Ciaran.

“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.”