Storm Eunice: Everything you need to know about the storm heading for Horsham

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning in East and West Sussex starting at 5am, stating there is a 'good chance' that flying debris could result in loss of life. At the peak of the storm in early afternoon, gusts are forecast to rise to in excess of 70mph in inland areas and up to 80mph in coastal locations, before receding by evening.

Eastbourne Borough Council confirmed the flood gates on the promenade will be closed before the high tide tonight (Thursday, February 17) and a contractor is on standby for sandbag deployment.South East Water said it is closely monitoring the situation and ‘working round the clock’ in case of power outages that could cause the water treatment process to stop functioning.Motorists are being urged by the National Highways to ‘take extra care’ and ‘consider if their journey is necessary’.The Met Office also suggested that residents should expect damage to buildings and homes, roads and railway lines to close and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.