Beach users are being warned to stay away today (December 14) as strong winds and high tides combine forces.

Winds of up to 45mph together with a high tide mean shingle from Brighton beach will be thrown onto the promenade and seawater could breach the sea wall near Hove’s King Alfred leisure centre.

Waves are expected to dump tonnes of shingle onto the prom especially at high tide, which is at 11.25am.

Brighton and Hove City Council is urging people to take extreme caution near the seafront and stay off the beach during the storm, which is expected to last until 6pm.

Seafront businesses are also urged to make sure people are kept safe and premises secure.

Councillor Pete West, chairman of the council’s environment committee, said: “We’re passing on this warning from the Met Office and are dependent on their advice.

“But we’d suggest people take precautions to ensure their property around the seafront, such as homes, businesses, boats and beach huts are secure beforehand and checked afterwards.

“It’s also important that people are careful on the seafront and stay away from the waves.”

The Environment Agency has issued a yellow warning for flooding across the southern coast.

It said: “With already wet ground, any rainfall will lead to enhanced runoff and is likely to lead to some surface water and river flooding issues in these areas.”

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