WAVES have begun to batter the seafront just hours before Storm Eunice is expected to smash the city.

Gale force winds as strong as 90mph will hit Brighton and Hove tomorrow in the worst storm since 2013.

Train travellers have been urged to rethink their journeys while West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service warned residents to stay indoors.

Strong winds have already begun to pick up speed with waves slamming into the seafront near Saltdean this afternoon.

Pictures taken from the undercliff walk, which will be closed tomorrow, give a glimpse of the storm to come.

The Argus:

The South East remains under amber alert but a red weather warning was issued for part of the South West this afternoon.

The red weather warning has been issued due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge, which is understood to be a rare event for the UK.

The Met Office said there is a risk of “flying debris resulting in danger to life” and “damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down”.

In Brighton and Hove, the city council and the RNLI are urging people to stay away from the sea.

The Argus:

A spokesman from the RNLI said: “With Storm Eunice set to batter the south this week, please respect the water.

“Check weather, tide and swell forecasts before you consider heading to the coast and avoid taking unnecessary risks by staying well back from stormy seas and breaking waves.”