Storm Bert caused chaos with a town Christmas tree blown down and shoppers delayed by scaffolding affected by the high winds.

Emergency services were in attendance to close Chandos Road in Worthing at 9:32am as scaffolding had collapsed following high winds.

Planks of wood could be seen over the road and the metal frame still intact turned over on it side.

Planks of wood can be seen all over the road and the metal frame still intact (Image: Eddie Mitchell) Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services (WSFRS) were at the scene to ensure that safety procedures were in place.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said at the time: "Joint Fire Control received a call at 9.32am and sent one fire engine to attend Chandos Road, in Worthing.

"Upon arrival, the crew provided scene safety, before leaving at 10:42am.

"The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for wind, covering much of West Sussex this weekend.

"We would urge all residents to take extra care in these conditions."

Following this WSFRS were then dispatched to Littlehampton as the newly erected town Christmas tree had toppled over due to the wind.

Littlehampton's newly erected town Christmas tree had toppled over (Image: Sarah Abbiss) Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper, from Littlehampton Town Council, said: ”Littlehampton Town Council are aware that the Christmas tree has come down in the high winds and are taking steps to ensure everything is safe.”

A Christmas light switch-on ceremony was also scheduled in Littlehampton on the day but was cancelled. 

Littlehampton Town Council hopes to reschedule it for December 7.

A spokeswoman for WSFRS said:  "Joint Fire Control received a call at 9:38am and sent one fire engine to attend Littlehampton High Street, to help resurrect a fallen Christmas tree, before leaving at 9:57am.”

A tree had then been knocked over in St. Botolph's Road (Image: Eddie Mitchell) A real tree had been knocked over in St. Botolph's Road in Worthing, caving in the roof of a car.

It fell on to the middle of the road.

Sussex Police were in attendance and had cordoned of the road until the tree was cleared.

Hundreds of cars were seen stuck at a standstill at Churchill Square (Image: Eddie Mitchell) Scaffolding became an issue for shoppers in Brighton, as police partially closed Cannon Place.

Hundreds of cars were seen stuck at a standstill as police diverted the traffic from Churchill Square Car Park on to Russell Road.

Police had blocked the junction with the seafront.

This was after the MET Office issued a yellow weather warning on Friday for most of East and West Sussex due to “dangerous coastal conditions and disruption” with a “small chance” that the weather could cause a danger to life and injuries. 

Winter Fair at the South of England Showground in Ardingly had been forced to close (Image: Southern News & Pictures (SNAP)) On Sunday morning the Winter Fair at the South of England Showground in Ardingly was forced to close due to high winds. 

A spokeswoman said: "Due to the overnight weather conditions and the forecast for this to worsen throughout the day, in the interest of safety, the decision has been taken not to open the Winter Fair today. 

“We understand how disappointing this is, but the safety of everyone on site is our absolute priority. Ticketholders for today will be refunded."

Jordan Murray was with his family when he was met with a loud thud on their car roof (Image: Jordan Murray) Trees kept being knocked over during the weekend, with one falling over a father’s car as they were parked off the A264 near Crawley.

Jordan Murray was with his family when he was met with a loud thud on their car roof. 

He said: "Myself and my partner and our dog were in the car, luckily our daughter was in another car, when the roof nearly caved in.

"It would have been right above her head.

"Luckily the car held strong."

There were no reported injuries in any of these incidents.