Storm Bert brings scaffolding and trees down in Sussex as 'havoc' reported across UK

Our parent title, National World, reported that Storm Bert hit the UK in dramatic fashion – with snow closing roads and strong rains and winds ‘expected to cause further problems’.

This impact has now been felt in Sussex with multiple reports of fallen trees – including on St. Botolph's Road, Worthing; Gillsmans Hill, Hastings and A273 Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill.

Scaffolding has also collapsed in Chandos Road, Worthing and Churchill Square car park, Canon Street, Brighton.

Motorists have reportedly faced major delays leaving the car park this evening.

A police statement on social media read: “We are responding to scaffolding blown loose by strong winds in the Russell Road area of Brighton city centre.

“The road has been closed to protect the public and officers are helping users of the multi-storey car park exit safely.

“A contractor company is currently at the scene to assess the situation and make the scaffolding as safe as possible.

“There is congestion along the A259 and disruption to the surrounding roads, and we are asking the public to please stay away from the area.

“Strong winds are causing disruption across the city – the public are reminded to be aware of the dangers of extreme weather, not take any risks and please call 999 in an emergency.”

This was the second of two incidents involving scaffolding in Sussex.

After the closure of Chandos Road in Worthing, a spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Joint Fire Control received a call at 9.32am and sent one fire engine to attend.

"Upon arrival, the crew provided scene safety, before leaving at 10.42am.

"The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for wind, covering much of West Sussex this weekend. We would urge all residents to take extra care in these conditions."

Sussex Police said officers attended to close the road while ‘recovery of the scaffolding is arranged’.

Elsewhere in Worthing, Saturday’s volunteer morning at Beach House Park has been cancelled due to the high wind speeds predicted by the Met Office. This was announced by Worthing Borough Council announced on social media this morning.

The council added: “The forecast 50mph winds would really limit what our parks team and any attending volunteers could achieve on the day, and we wouldn’t want anyone to work around the green space in conditions that could be unsafe.”

Gusts of up to 70mph are expected on the Sussex coast today.

That’s according to the Met Office, which has issued amber and yellow warnings for rain and wind across the UK this weekend.

The wind warning is in place in Sussex and Surrey from 9am today until 9pm tomorrow (Sunday).

"Strong winds due to Storm Bert likely to cause dangerous coastal conditions and disruption across southern England and south Wales,” a Met Office spokesperson said.

"There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.

"There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

"There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

"There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris.”

The Met Office said ‘locally severe gales’ are ‘likely to affect many southern counties’ of England and south Wales coast this weekend.

The warning added: “The strongest gusts will be along coasts with gusts 60-70 mph possible around exposed headlands, while elsewhere gusts of 50-60 mph are possible, even for some inland locations.