Beachgoers have been warned of a "very high likelihood of injury in or near the sea" as strong winds bring powerful waves. 

The Met Office said Brighton beach is being hit by very large, powerful waves as winds of up to 40mph batter the coast.

In a beach safety warning, the national weather service said there is a "very high likelihood of injury in or near the sea" today.

There are strong and gusty winds across Sussex today but weather is largely dry this weekend.

But mild temperatures are being tempered by the strong winds. 

There are three flood alerts in place for the county, at Climping seafront near Littlehampton, the Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes in Bognor and villages north of Chichester. 

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Saturday evening's tide at 10.45pm on is higher than normal due to unsettled weather with strong south westerly force 7 winds and large waves.

"The weather increases tide table values by 0.32 m. 

"For two hours either side of high tide, minimal flood impacts are expected at Climping.

"Waves could cause a small amount of water to find its way behind the beach and may pond on nearby land and fields, including at Climping Street Car Park and Mill Lane and near residential property in Climping Street."

The Met Office and RNLI issue the following beach safety advice:

  • Head to a lifeguarded beach
  • Follow RNLI float to Live advice if you find yourself struggling in the water
  • Check the tide times to avoid getting cut off by the tide coming in
  • Call 999 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency