Storm Ciarán: Parts of Brighton seafront cordoned off

Brighton and Hove City Council’s seafront team has been patrolling the beach and putting up red tape around stairways and groynes to prevent people from getting too close to the rough seas.

The Sussex coast is being pummelled by strong winds ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciaran.

An amber warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office for most of the county from 6am to 5pm tomorrow. This means major disruption is likely and there is potential risk to life and property.

The weather service has warned very strong winds of up to 80mph may hit travel and utilities and cause damage.

Large waves of up to 18 feet are also expected along the Sussex coast tomorrow.

Businesses along the seafront near the Palace Pier have put up metal barriers to protect their stores from a possible storm surge.

Metal barriers have been installed in front of some shops along the seafront (Image: The Argus)

A Met Office spokesman said: “Very strong west to southwesterly winds will develop over parts of the far south and South East 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, with parts of Sussex and Kent most likely to see gusts of this magnitude.

“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.”

An amber weather warning is in place for most of Sussex tomorrow (Image: The Argus)

The impending storm has forced the closure of several locations, including Worthing Pier and the stairs at Birling Gap.

Ferry services have been suspended tomorrow due to rough seas and train operators have warned of disruption to services because of the risk of fallen trees blocking rail lines.

Motorists have also been advised to check their journey before they travel and plan for disruption.

A spokeswoman for National Highways said: “If you’re using the roads, slow down and give yourself more space between you and the vehicle in front.

“It is harder for tyres to grip the road and excess spray makes it harder to see ahead.”