GUSTS of almost 50mph are expected to batter and Brighton and Hove today amid a yellow weather warning.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds in the city as Storm Evert hits Britain.

Winds up to 49mph are expected to last until 6pm, when the weather warning ends.

According to the forecaster, there will be some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.

Some bus and train services will also be affected, with some journeys taking longer than usual.

Met Office Principal Operational Meteorologist Dan Suri said: “Storm Evert will bring some high winds, particularly along the northern coast of the southwest, but there will be gusty winds more widely in southern areas, which brings the potential for some impacts, especially for those that might be travelling or camping in the weather.

“Storm Evert will move eastwards across southern UK during Friday daytime, clearing into the North Sea during Friday evening.

"As well as the high winds, there will also be some heavy rain before it leaves our shores, with up to 40 mm possible over parts of Wales and the southwest and the potential for 40 or 50 mm rain in a short period of time from heavy, possibly thundery, showers over parts of eastern and central England on Friday afternoon.”

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “The arrival of a summer storm to the South West could take drivers – and indeed all holidaymakers in the region – by surprise.

"The sheer strength of the wind coupled with huge volumes of traffic will make driving conditions hazardous, particularly for those towing caravans and trailers.

“We strongly recommend drivers check over their vehicles before setting out – ensuring roofboxes are firmly secured – and try to avoid exposed coastal and moorland routes where the impacts of the wind on driving will be the greatest. Drivers should reduce their speeds accordingly to help ensure they complete their journeys safely.”