Sussex was being braced for another possible battering from the elements this morning after winds of up to 70mph ripped up trees and tore down power lines.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning across the county for yesterday, last night and this morning.

Coastguards reported serious storm winds of up to gale force ten yesterday morning.

Gales continued at up to force eight last night and were expected to continue through the morning.

A flood warning was issued last night on the River Ouse between Isfield and Barcombe.

Waves pounded the beach at Brighton, while rescue services dealt with damaged buildings and power lines.

A large elm tree in Wish Road opposite Wish Park, Brighton, was uprooted and completely blocked the road.

In Hove, a beach hut was blown over the sea wall.

East Sussex Fire Brigade was called to a fallen tree in Powdermill Lane in Battle, a sheet metal roof ripped off in Norwich Drive in Bevendean, Brighton, and part of a roof blown off in Shaftesbury Road, Brighton.

Crews were also called to secure a metal roof on the Keymer Brick and Tile Company, Nye Road, Burgess Hill.

The B2036 was impassable between the M23 and the Cowdray Arms when a tree fell and hit a car.

Several sheep had to be rescued after a field in Robertsbridge became flooded.

The A27 Sompting bypass, the A259 between Middleton and Littlehampton and the B236 at Worth were all blocked by fallen trees.

Passengers had to leave a number 27 bus in Saltdean yesterday morning when a strong gust of wind pushed out a front window.

Motoring organisations warned residents moving around the county to be careful of dangerous conditions caused by spray and flooding.

Transport company Transmanche Ferries was forced to cancel a Channel crossing from Newhaven yesterday morning due to strong winds.

Forecasters predicted the difficult conditions would ease later today, with dry weather in most places, sunny periods and just a small risk of the odd isolated shower.