The Met Office put out an Amber Warning and Yellow Wind Warning. Winds have hit a speed of 60 to 70mph and in exposed areas it’s expected to reach 80mph.
Service officials including the Eastbourne RNLI and Eastbourne Police have warned people to stay safe and avoid making unnecessary journeys.
Travel disruptions have been affecting train services with train cancellations and road closures because of fallen branches.
See in photos Storm Austen at Eastbourne coast.
1. In photos: Storm Austen strikes East Sussex coast
Storm Austen at Eastbourne Pier Photo: Sy Martin
2. In photos: Storm Austen strikes East Sussex coast
Storm Austen strikes Eastbourne Coast Photo: Sy Martin
3. In photos: Storm Austen strikes East Sussex coast
Storm Austen in Eastbourne Photo: Sy Martin
4. In photos: Storm Austen strikes East Sussex coast
Eastbourne coast amid storm Photo: Sy Martin
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