Storm Babet in Sussex: 60mph gusts 'likely' as residents in coastal areas given firm warning

A rare red weather alert, warning of ‘danger to life’, remains in place in parts of Scotland amid the threat of exceptional rainfall. Amber and yellow alerts are in place across the majority of the country.

A large tree branch fell on a car in West Sussex overnight on Wednesday as heavy winds battered the county. Some residents woke up on Thursday up to more destruction than just toppled bins.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Strong winds from an easterly direction have also resulted in yellow and amber wind warnings being issued for eastern parts of Scotland and along the east coast of England until the weekend when winds will eventually ease.

"Gusts in excess of 70mph are likely on Thursday and 60mph on Friday, with particularly poor conditions on immediate coastlines with large waves adding to the list of hazards.

“These warnings will continue to be updated throughout the period, and further warnings are also possible, so it is important to stay up to date with the Met Office forecast and warnings in your area.”

A particular warning has been given to those living in coastal areas.

“The forecasted strong winds along with heavy rain are likely to cause dangerous conditions for those visiting the coast around the UK and Ireland,” RNLI water safety partner, Sam Hughes, said.

“The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.

“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if by the coast, or the fire service if inland. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.”

The RNLI advice is to: stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges; check the weather forecast and tide times before you go out; take a phone with you and, in an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

The yellow weather alert for Sussex comes to an end at 9am today (Friday). The county is one of the few not covered by any Met Office warnings on Saturday (October 21).

However, the storm is still continuing to cause travel disruption.

Trains towards Brighton from Three Bridges are among those heavily disrupted in Sussex on Friday.

A Southern Rail spokesperson said: “This storm is expected to make contact with a large part of our network, especially the routes in more exposed coastal locations. Gusts could be even stronger in these areas.

"Spells of heavy rain or showers may cause flooding on the railway leading to some potential disruption. Together with Network Rail, we have plans in place to manage this if it happens.”

National Rail said ‘forecasted severe weather’ was ‘likely to impact’ Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services ‘until the end of the day’.

A spokesperson added: “This morning, heavy rain and high wind are expected in the southeast of England, increasing steadily throughout the day and leading to increased risks of flooding.”