Parts of Sussex were on flood alert today after gale force storms battered the county.

Police issued a warning to drivers about treacherous conditions on the roads after several trees were brought down by high winds.

Fallen trees were reported on roads across the county including Balcombe Road in Crawley and Arundel Road in Horsham.

Virtually all sports fixtures were called off because of waterlogged pitches.

A woman was knocked to the ground by high winds on the Palace Pier and taken to hospital.

The Environment Agency issued two flood warnings after an inch of rain fell in 24 hours.

The agency asked people to be vigilant around Cuckmere River, downstream of Hellingly to the A27 at Sherman's Bridge, and the River Ouse from Isfield to Barcombe.

An agency spokesman said these low-lying areas were vulnerable and flood watches were in force across much of the county.

Workers raced to restore a shingle bank at Selsey Bill near Chichester after it was damaged by heavy seas.