Road and rail networks were left in chaos and thousands woke up to no power as gale force winds and heavy rain battered Sussex overnight.

Scores of trees have fallen across the county and there has been localised flooding leading to some roads closed and others with disruptions.

Among the roads affected are the A272 at Haywards Heath, the A26 in Poundgate, the A259 East Dean and the A286 Grayswood.

Southern Rail suspended its services this morning due to the damage caused to its rail network overnight.

Several lines of route are suffering from a combination of flooding, blockages from fallen trees, power supply failure or potential landslips.

It is working with Network Rail to clear the problems and some services are beginning to run again.

Several beach huts in Hove were left trampled by the wind.

The Argus:

(Pic: Fleur Dawes)

UK PowerNetworks reported 11,975 Sussex residents were without power as high winds blowing debris and trees onto overhead power lines overnight have caused extensive damage.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne was one of those left without power overnight.

She Tweeted: "Been without power & phone line since early this morning. Now we have no water...it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas disaster."

and residents of Bolnore village reported this morning it would take up to four hours for the power to return to the southern part of the village.

Residents in Barcombe Mills found themselves facing flooding with water several feet deep.

Those looking to escape the weather are facing double problems at Gatwick Airport.

There are currently no trains to the airport and passengers are advised to seek alternative transport and to leave extra time for their journey.

There have also been power outages at the North Terminal reulting in flight delays.

Passengers are being taken to the South Terminal for check-in and then moved back to the North Terminal for their flight.