The Environment Agency today issued a warning that parts of Sussex could be flooded by tonight.

Officials said up to an inch of rain could fall, with the risk particularly high along the coast.

More than an inch of rain has fallen during the past 24 hours and the land has become saturated.

With high winds continuing, the Agency advised the public to keep away from the coast for their own safety.

It said exceptionally high waves could throw shingle onto coastal roads, creating hazardous driving conditions and endangering pedestrians.

Environment Agency staff were out all night in West Sussex clearing trees and other debris from ditches to keep water courses flowing.

A spokeswoman said: "The main problem has been with surface water which has led to some localised flooding. "

Several areas have been put on Flood Watch status including Ferring Rife, near Worthing, and the catchment areas of the River Arun and the western Rother.

In Worthing town centre, a 20ft tree in South Street was blown down overnight. Another tree was felled by gales in Warren Road yesterday.

Police considered closing part of the seafront after pebbles were lifted off the beach by force ten gusts and pelted against the sides of parked cars.

Anglers were ordered off Worthing Pier by beach staff who closed the structure as waves threatened to swamp the landing stage.

This morning there were traffic delays in Lyminster, Littlehampton, as police waited for electricity company staff to deal with a pole leaning across Crossbush Road.

Last night in Bognor several trees and garden walls were blown down as 70mph winds swept through the resort, which was hit last year by a mini-tornado.

At Shoreham crews helped make the roof of a house extension in Downside Close watertight after felt covering was blown off.

Dangerous scaffolding in West End Way, Lancing, was also made safe as were two car ports in danger of collapsing in West Parade, Worthing.

The brigade also dealt with a falling tree which hit power cables in Rock Road, Storrington.

A West Sussex Fire Brigade spokesman said they received a total of 65 calls last night, mainly between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Environment Agency urged people to remain vigilant. Anyone worried can ring its floodline on 0845 9881188.