Gale force winds are expected to cause widespread disruption as Storm Brian batters Britain and Ireland less than a week after ex-hurricane Ophelia wreaked havoc.

High winds have been sweeping across Sussex since the early hours and some disruptions have already been reported. 

This was Hove seafront at around 3pm this afternoon as huge waves started to crash in. 

The Argus:

Gusts are set to reach speeds of 70mph today.

Forecasters have warned of the potential for power cuts, flooding and delays to transport. 

Trains are suffering severe disruption, including cancellations and speed restrictions in place because of the extreme weather.

Southern Rail tweeted: “Due to severe weather conditions train services running across the whole Southern network may be cancelled or delayed. #StormBrian.” There are delays of up to 20 minutes and some cancellations on Southern between Eastbourne and Lewes. 

A replacement bus service is running on Southern Rail between Haywards Heath and Lewes, between Haywards Heath and Polegate, between Lewes and Seaford and between Lewes and Eastbourne.

A 50mph speed restriction has also been imposed on coastal rail services between 10am and 10pm, affecting the Uckfield and East Grinstead lines.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for southern England which will remain in place until midnight.

Seaford Bonfire celebrations which were due to be held tonight have been cancelled because of the storm. 

Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: "Unfortunately across Ireland it's the areas that were worst-hit by Ophelia seeing the worst effects of Brian as well."

People have been advised to stay away from exposed coastal areas and urged not to take so-called "storm selfies" as high tides and a storm surge create dangerous conditions along some coasts.

The Environment Agency has issued 44 flood alerts, as well as six flood warnings urging "immediate action".

National flood duty manager for the Environment Agency Ben Lukey warned members of the public against posing for photos during the hazardous conditions.

He said: "Environment Agency teams are on the ground, checking defences and taking precautionary action to close tidal gates and put up temporary barriers.

"We're working with the Met Office and local authorities and are ready to respond as necessary.

"We urge people to stay safe along the coast and warn against putting yourself in unnecessary danger by taking 'storm selfies' or driving through flood water - just 30cm is enough to move your car."

The Argus:

National Rail warned the stormy weather could impact on train services, with emergency speed restrictions imposed on most of the routes in Wales.

A spokesman said: "Fallen trees and other debris may temporarily block railway lines and damage overhead wires.

"Speed restrictions may be imposed in the worst-affected areas for safety reasons, which may delay your journey."

Drivers were also urged to take extra care on the roads during high winds, as vehicle recovery and insurance firm the AA reminded motorists that surface spray, reduced visibility and potential flooding remained high risks.

The Energy Networks Association, representing the UK's energy infrastructure, said residents could call the free 105 advice telephone number in case of damage to local network and power supplies.

Storm Brian is the result of a "weather bomb" of low pressure in the Atlantic Ocean.

It follows Storm Aileen, the first UK-named storm of the season, which left thousands of homes without power last month.