West Sussex braced for lashing rain and strong winds as severe weather warning issued
The Met Office warns it could disrupt Friday morning's rush hour
An alert for rain and wind has been issued for West Sussex on Friday (2 October), with the potential for flooding and transport disruption.
The yellow alert is in place from 3am through to 8pm the same day following wet weather overnight on Thursday (1 October).
The Met Office warns it could affect Friday morning rush hour traffic, with gusts of up to 55mph accompanying rainfall of up to 50mm:
"Rain and showers overnight Thursday into Friday will turn heavier and more persistent during Friday morning, along with a strengthening east to north easterly wind.
The weather warning covers is in place for most of Friday.
"Some places could receive 40-50 mm over the course of 12-18 hours, most likely in the south of this region, combined with gusts of 45-55mph inland during Friday morning rush hour.
"Some coastal regions exposed to the south-east could experience gusts of 60-65mph.
"The combination of wind and rain, combined with trees losing their leaves, increases the risk of flooding due to blocked drains and watercourses.
"The wind and rain will ease from the south later on Friday, as the weather system responsible starts to move away."
It goes on to warn of the likelihood of some homes and businesses in urbanised areas flooding, as well as dangerous driving conditions, and delays to rail, air and ferry transport.