Storm Goretti: Floodgates on Eastbourne promenade closed as heavy rain set to hit Sussex
Floodgates in Eastbourne have been closed due to forecasted high tides and strong winds from Storm Goretti.
Eastbourne Borough Council confirmed that the floodgates between Eastbourne Pier and the Glass House would be closed on Thursday, January 8 due to Storm Goretti.
A spokesperson for Eastbourne Borough Council said: “The promenade in this section will still be accessible via the ramp and steps near Eastbourne Pier and the paths close to the Glass House
“Please take extra care when crossing Royal Parade and Marine Parade and ensure you can access the promenade safely.
“This closure is a precautionary measure we routinely implement when tidal and weather conditions present a risk of localised flooding.
“The gates will remain shut overnight as Storm Goretti passes and the situation will be re-assessed tomorrow morning.”
The National Trust also advised residents to avoid Birling Gap as the Storm approaches Sussex.
A spokesperson for the National Trust added: “For your own safety, we advise visitors to stay away from the cliffs and beach during this time.”
A Met Office yellow weather warning came into force at 3pm on Thursday (January 8) until 8am on Friday.
The warning impacts those in Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Seaford, Brighton, Worthing, Littlehampton and parts of the Chichester district – including the Witterings.
As Storm Goretti approaches, ‘winds will strengthen’ through Thursday afternoon – with the ‘strongest spell of winds during Thursday evening’.
Gusts of 50-60 mph are ‘likely fairly widely’ with 60-70 mph winds ‘along exposed coasts and hills’.