Trail of damage caused throughout the Gazette area by ‘superstorm’ St Jude

Rhonda Rosier, of Palmer Road, Angmering, said she had seven of her fences blown down

Heavy rain and winds of around 80 miles per hour hit the area overnight, leaving a trail of damage in their wake.

The weather has also led to train services throughout the area being significantly reduced.

Services are expected to be delayed throughout the day because of debris on the tracks.

A tree felled and blocking a footpath between Elmgrove Road and Cornwall Road

There have also been reports of small power cuts in Arundel.

In Littlehampton, a felled tree caused a footpath to be blocked near Cornwall Road and Elmgrove Road.

Elsewhere, driving winds and rain have felled trees and caused damage to sheds, fences and walls.

The worst of the storm hit in the early hours of this morning, with the weather expected to improve as the day goes on.

People are being warned by Sussex Police to avoid travelling until lunchtime, if possible.

Superintendent Grenville Wilson has been leading the Sussex Police operation to deal with the storm.

He said: “Roads are being closed and re-opening all the time, so listen in to your local radio stations for updates on where there are problems on routes you may be planning to use. However, unless your journey really is necessary I would suggest that you try to delay it until at least lunchtime.

“If you’re not off to work and are planning to venture out to look at Mother Nature at her mightiest, do look after yourselves. At 3.30am, I was watching people on CCTV on Brighton Beach dancing around at the waves’ edge, occasionally being overtaken by the advancing water. One slip and they could have found themselves in real danger, along with the people who would try to rescue them.”

Do you have any photos of the damage caused by St Jude?

Please send photos to [email protected] or phone 01903 714135.