AMBER weather warning for West Sussex ahead of Storm Bella
The county's told to expect a battering on Boxing Day
Last updated 24th Dec 2020
The Met Office is warning of a 'risk to life' posed by strong winds and heavy rain across West Sussex on Boxing Day.
It's ahead of the arrival of what is now being named by forecasters as Storm Bella.
An amber warning has now been issued for the county from 10pm on Saturday (December 26th) to 9am on Sunday (December 27th).
It covers the whole of the South Coast, from Cornwall to Kent, along with the north Devon coast,areas around Bristol and parts of south and west Wales.
A yellow warning is already out for the whole of the county from 3pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday.
Forecasters have warned that wind gusts of up to 80 miles an hour are possible, which are likely to bring 'widespread disruption' to utilities.
What can we expect?
Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
Some roads and bridges likely to close
Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties
There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
What are the Met Office saying?
"Very strong southwesterly winds are expected for parts of south and southeast England and south Wales on Sunday morning.
"Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely with a few spots likely to see 60-70 mph for a time.
"Hills and particularly coasts exposed to the southwesterly winds will see a few gusts of 70-80 mph.
"In addition to the strong winds, a period of heavy, squally rain is expected and may prove an additional hazard."