House partially collapses as Storm Imogen batters the coast

Part of a house in Saltdean collapsed in the early hours of this morning (Monday, February 8) as Storm Imogen battered the coast.
Photo by Eddie Mitchell. SUS-160802-104549001Photo by Eddie Mitchell. SUS-160802-104549001
Photo by Eddie Mitchell. SUS-160802-104549001

The gable end of the property, in Chichester Drive East, gave way as gale force winds arrived in Sussex overnight.

Thankfully, all residents were evacuated safely but the road will remain closed in both directions between the A259 Marine Drive junction and the Linchmere Avenue junction while the building is secured.

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The weather is also causing disruption on the roads and rails across Sussex.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has installed temporary speed reductions on the rails until at least 11am this morning (Monday) as high winds are expected to hit the railway.

Network Rail’s specialist engineers are preparing to deploy across the network to inspect lines and repair any damage as quickly as possible.

A GTR spokesperson said: “It is highly likely there will be delays this evening due to the predicted forecast. We plan to run our Monday morning service as advertised, however passengers are advised to check their journey before travelling as disruption to services, including the morning and evening peak, is high likely.”

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Passengers are being advised to expect delays and disruption as forecasters are predicting winds in excess of 70mph across the South Coast on Monday.

With the strength of the winds expected, railway infrastructure could be damaged as severe winds can blow debris and trees onto tracks and damage equipment and signals.

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