Met Office has forecast severe wind and rain for West Sussex

The Met Office is predicting winds of up to 65mph inland and up to 75mph on the coast, with rainfall of up to 40mm expected.

Localised flooding could occur and structural damage and damage to trees may be caused by the winds.

The worst of the weather is expected between 2am and 5am on Thursday morning so motorists travelling before sunrise are being warned to be extra vigilant.

Homeowners are encouraged to secure any garden furniture tonight before the winds arrive.

Any impact on West Sussex schools will be publicised on West Sussex County Council’s website at from first thing Thursday morning.

Commuters using the trains are asked to keep an eye on their service’s website and twitter feeds for the latest information.

Any impacts on flights to and from Gatwick Airport will be reported on its website

The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the Upper Ouse and Upper River Medway areas

It is likely to issue flood alerts today as a precautionary measure for:

Medmerry, Bognor; Ferring; Worthing; and Shoreham.

Further flood warnings are likely to be issued on Thursday for:

Upper Ouse; Upper Arun; Lower Arun; Western Rother; Loxwood Stream; Bersted; and Westbourne

The Environment Agency will be updating its information and flood advice throughout the day and night at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Residents can sign up for weather warnings:

River and coastal flooding – www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188; and

Surface water – subscribe to our ‘AlertMe’ e-mails via www.westsussex.gov.uk/flooding.

Also on the website is further information about flooding. Residents can also follow follow @WSHighways on Twitter.