A YELLOW warning for strong winds has been issued by the Met Office.

Strong to gale force west to northwesterly winds have hit the south coast this morning and gust of 40 to 50mph are expected.

There is a warning that isolated gusts close to 60mph possible over coasts, hills and locally inland where heavy showers occur.

The warning is in place until 10pm on Tuesday.

Sussex Police said it had received 26 weather-related calls concerning trees falling across roads in Sussex from midnight until 9am.

Trees have fallen in Wilmington Way and Dyke Road, Brighton, in The Goffs, Eastbourne and on the M23 between J10a and J11.

Several parked cars have been damaged.

There are no reports of injuries or any other serious damage. 

The Met Office said some localised transport disruption could be caused.

People are being urged to stay away from the coast with large waves and spray expected.

The Met Office's chief forecaster said: "The strongest winds will affect Wales, western and southern England initially before extending across the Midlands towards Lincolnshire and East Anglia this afternoon.

"Winds then moderating from the southwest this evening."