Beachgoers have been warned to stay well away from "treacherous" waves as Storm Henk is set to batter the Sussex coast.

The RNLI at Rye Harbour shared a shocking image of youngsters near huge waves in Hastings on Monday and urged people not to "trifle with" nature.

A spokeswoman for the branch said: "Storms are battering our coastline.

"The waves are treacherous and they have the power to sweep people off their feet and yet some people think they are invincible including these youngsters captured at Hastings.

The Argus:

"Had the waves hit them at that speed they would have been swept out to sea.

"Families could have had to face tragedy so early in the year.

"Nature is not a power to be trifled with. Stay safe."

It comes as the Met Office has named Storm Henk and a yellow weather warning is in place for wind across the Sussex coast today.

The national weather service has warned that strong winds, along with some heavy rain, is likely to bring travel disruption today.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "It is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

"Some short-term loss of power and other services is possible.

"Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely."