Extreme weather events like Storm Ciarán will become more frequent and more intense due to climate change, experts have said.

The storm, which battered the south coast on Thursday, hit Sussex with winds of more than 60mph and caused widespread disruption.

Electricity lines were brought down, causing hundreds to lose power, while roads were blocked by floodwater and fallen trees.

Climate experts have said future storms result in larger impacts, including bigger storm surges in coastal regions.

Dr Melissa Lazenby, a lecturer in climate change at the University of Sussex, said current trends show more rainfall is resulting from storms hitting the UK.

She said: “There is consensus from models that the frequency of winter storms are projected to increase, as well as their associated wind speeds and rainfall.

“It is also very likely that the intensity of these winter storms are going to increase and rainfall from these events are going to result in larger impacts, such as flooding and larger storm surges alongside the coastal regions.

“Research indicates that the UK should expect to see storms more frequently than it is seeing today and, as such, additional adaptation and mitigation measures will be necessary to mitigate their impacts, such as flooding and storm surges.”

More wet and windy weather is expected today, with a yellow weather warning for rain in place for this evening.

Frequent heavy showers, along with gusty winds, are likely to cause travel disruption and flooding in a few areas.

The warning, issued by the Met Office for most of Sussex, is in place from 3pm until the end of the day.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "A spell of heavy rain followed by frequent heavy and blustery showers are expected to affect southern coastal counties.

"Around 20 to 30mm of rain could accumulate in some places with perhaps as much as 40mm by the end of the day.

"Accompanied by strong winds along the coast, these showers are likely to cause flooding of a few roads, leading to travel disruption and possibly the flooding of a few homes and businesses.

"In addition, dangerous coastal conditions with large waves and spray are likely."