TWO women were killed as Storm Dennis ripped through Sussex.

The two died in separate tragedies – one swept away into the sea and the second killed in a crash on the rain-lashed A27.

Emergency services launched a huge search operation to try to find the women who entered the sea in “horrendous conditions” off Brighton beach at about 2.45am yesterday(SUN).

As The Argus went to press last night she still had not been found and was presumed dead.

The woman was seen to enter the sea, then disappear into the waves.

The RNLI, Coastguard and police launched a major search for her as 10ft high waves crashed onto the beach in winds reaching 70mph.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The alarm was raised by members of the public at about 2.45am after a woman was seen in the water.

“She has not yet been located.”

The force was unable to provide any further update last night over whether the search was still ongoing but confirmed the woman still had not been found.

Shoreham RNLI said: “An air and sea search were carried out after a report of a woman seen entering the water near Brighton Palace Pier at 2.45am on Sunday .

“The all-weather lifeboat carried out a search for nearly three hours in storm force 10 conditions east and west of the Palace Pier along with the Coastguard helicopter, Coastguard teams from Shoreham, Newhaven and Littlehampton, Sussex Police and South East coast Ambulance. Sadly, she was not found.”

Lifeboat coxswain Steve Smith said: “Storm Dennis meant the sea conditions were pretty horrendous and it was a challenging search.

“No one should be going near the water in these conditions. Please respect the water and stay away.”

A second woman died in a crash on the A27 at Patcham when her car skidded into a lamp post and hit the central reservation.

Sussex Police said: “A woman has died after her car was in collision with a lamp post and crash barrier on the A27 outside Brighton.

“At 7.40am on Sunday the car collided with a lamp post and then a crash barrier on the westbound A27 at Patcham and the 24-year-old woman driving the car, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.

“She was treated by paramedics but tragically was confirmed dead at the scene.”

“Her family have been informed.”

The road was closed in both directions to enable rescue and recovery work to take place.

The Environment Agency had warned that Patcham was likely to flood as Storm Dennis hit.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service warned drivers to beware of spray on the road.

A spokesman said: “Take care in the high winds, keep both hands on the wheel and avoid driving through standing water and floods.”

Storm Dennis wreaked havoc with trees falling across the county, including on roads in Horsham, Storrington and Flimwell.

A tree blocked the railway line between Haywards Heath and Lewes, meaning trains had to be diverted via Brighton.

An amber weather warning for rain was in place from the Met Office.

Warnings for wind were also in place and people were warned to stay away from the sea. Brighton and Hove City Council warned on Friday that the beaches could be “extremely dangerous” in the stormy weather.

“We urge people to keep well away from high waves and rough seas,” a spokesman said.

“Brighton and Hove’s beaches can be extremely dangerous in stormy weather with violent waves coming from different directions, coupled with freezing temperatures and high spring tides.”

Shingle and debris was washed up on Hove promenade as a result of the storm.

Floodwater covered the roads in Patcham.

The Environment Agency cleared the River Ouse in Barcombe Mills last week to try to ease the worst of the flooding.

The council had planned for a clean-up crew to tackle the aftermath of the storm today.

Structures including scaffolding and fences that were already weakened by the effects of Storm Ciara last weekend will all be checked.

The worst of the storm is expected to have passed overnight but a yellow warning for wind remains across the western side of the county for today.