Storm Isha: Strong winds in Sussex to cause travel disruption

The storm will bring strong winds with a Met Office yellow weather warning in place for the entire county from noon on Sunday until noon on Monday.

An amber weather warning for wind has also issued for the Sussex coast, as well as Uckfield, Arundel and Polegate, from 12am through to 9am on Monday.

Because of the forecast, there have been cancellations to the Newhaven Ferry. 

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, DFDS, the ferry operator, said the 4pm Dieppe to Newhaven service on Sunday would be cancelled.

Newhaven during Storm Ciaran in November last year (Image: Keith Duke/Camera Club) 

The 11pm Newhaven to Dieppe service on Sunday is also cancelled. 

A spokesman for DFDS said: “Services are being cancelled due to adverse weather. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. All customers are being contacted.”

In the amber warning, the Met Office has warned of a “danger to life” from large waves and beach material thrown onto the coast, as well as disruption to travel, possible damage to buildings and a “good chance” of power cuts.

A map of the weather warnings (Image: Met Office)

Guests of up to 80mph are forecast along exposed coastal areas, with wind speeds of around 60mph expected across the region.

Chief meteorologist at the Met Office Dan Suri said: “Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday.

“The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales and much of northern England as well as south western parts of England.

“In these regions we could see gusts frequently between 50-60mph and even up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations.”

The wind is expected to ease off after Monday, but rain is forecast for Tuesday. 

Three flood alerts remain in place in Sussex – in Patcham and for villages near Chichester. 

Flooding is possible at the Ladies Mile borehole.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Minor groundwater flood impacts are expected to continue to affect a small number of basements on Old London Road, Patcham and Peacock Lane, Withdean. Rainfall is forecast on Tuesday, January 23. Groundwater will remain close to the surface and minor flood impacts could continue through to February.”