The Met Office has issued warnings for both wind and rain for today and tomorrow before a brief respite on Sunday.

Five flood warnings also remain in place across the county with waters in the River Lavant, Cuckmere River and the Upper Ouse all dangerously high.

A Met Office forecaster said heavy rain was expected from around 6am this morning, with downpours for much the rest of the day.

The wind will pick up as the day goes on, with gusts peaking at 55mph by the evening.

The forecast is much the same tomorrow with an amber warning for strong gusts from the early hours.

Rain is expected from around 2am and will continue for much the rest of the day – with a yellow Met Office warning in place.

Gusts are expected to peak at around 70mph at 6am.

A spokesman said: “The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel as well as trees being uprooted and perhaps damage to buildings.

“The very strong winds will be accompanied by large waves along the south coast and the public should also be aware of these potentially dangerous conditions and also the possibility of coastal flooding.”

Strong gusts yesterday morning brought down a large tree in Hove Park Road.

Luckily nobody was injured and workmen had chopped up and cleared it by the afternoon.

With other areas of the country suffering more significant damage than in Sussex, police officers from Hastings were yesterday sent to Surrey to assist.

A high volume pump, which is housed at Hove Fire Station, has been taken to the neighbouring county to help with the clear-up.

In Sussex, kind-hearted residents have flocked to the website floodvolunteers.co.uk to offer their services.

The site, which has been set up in recent weeks, sees people sign up with their contact details and explain what they can do to help.

Among them is Cath Wilson, from Littlehampton, who posted: “Hard-working labourer and general help.

“Caring and responsible animal sitter (I could take away your pet/s to look after at my garden flat in Littlehampton while you get sorted)”.

Meanwhile Daniel Hawken, from Seaford, offered his services citing his experience as an ex-South African policeman and community care worker.

To offer your services visit www.floodvolunteers.co.uk.

For unrivalled coverage on the impact of the severe weather on Sussex, go to www.theargus.co.uk/news/weather - you can also now sign up for a daily email bulletin of storm and flooding news during times of bad weather. To join in with storm coverage, use the hashtag #sussexstorm on Twitter.