Met Office warns of 80mph winds hitting Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove could be battered with winds of more than 80mph on Monday (28 October), according to the Met Office.

The storms could uproot trees, damage buildings and disrupt transport and power supplies.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning this morning (Friday 25 October) for a wide area including Brighton and Hove.

The warning said: “A very intense low pressure system is forecast to run north eastwards across the country early on Monday (28 October) bringing the potential for an exceptionally windy spell of weather for southern parts of the UK.

“At the same time, persistent, heavy rain could cause some surface water flooding.

“There is some continuing uncertainty in the timing, intensity and track of the low.

However, the public should be prepared for the risk of falling trees as well as damage to buildings and other structures, bringing disruption to transport and power supplies.”

The storm is expected to reach Britain later on Sunday, according to forecasts.

It is expected to run north eastwards, probably across England and Wales, with very strong winds on its southern and western flanks.

There is the potential for gusts of 60mph to 80mph quite widely – and locally more than 80mph, especially on exposed coasts.

Fire chiefs said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is on standby in preparation for the severe weather warning issued by the Met Office.

“Emergency planning meetings have been held in a bid to continue monitoring the situation.

“The fire service will be actively directing any safety inquires to the Met Office and the Highways Agency website, where members of the public and businesses can get the latest information.

“All fire service personnel have been kept fully informed of the situation and advised on necessary actions.

“We will be working closely with the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and other agencies to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.”