Flood alerts as Storm Benjamin hits South East

Parts of central Brighton have been impacted by flooding

Storm Benjamin has sparked flood warnings across the south east of England.

Several alerts are in place across Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex, including the coast from Sandgate to Dungeness and to Farlight, the Hastings area and Climping seafront.

They have also been issued for the River Darent from Westerham to Dartford, Cuckmere River, Upper Ouse, River Uck, Upper River Mole, River Mole and its tributaries from Kinnersley Manor to South Hersham.

The Surfers Against Sewage live map reported several sewage discharges across the region as of 10:00 BST.

Ferry company DFDS has said delays are affecting all its Dover to Calais services due to "strong winds" in the Channel.

Fallen trees were also reported as causing disruption in parts of the region.

Southeastern announced shortly after 10:00 that a tree was blocking the railway line between Ashford and Charing, preventing services towards Maidstone East from Ashford from running.

Meanwhile, West Sussex Highways said a downed tree was blocking Hammerpond Road in Mannings Heath, near Horsham.

Flooded roads have been reported across the region

It comes amid Met Office yellow weather warnings for wind and rain in east and southern England, which are expected to last until the evening.

Similar warnings have also come into force across parts of the UK.

The Met Office said people should expect a small chance of power cuts, damage to buildings, delayed or cancelled public transport, difficult road conditions, possible road closures and flooding.

It added that gusts of 40-45mph across parts of Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex were possible during the early hours of the morning, increasing to up to 55mph in coastal areas.

However, the government agency said conditions were likely to improve during the morning.

Rainfall levels could reach 20-30mm quite widely, with some places seeing 30-50mm, the Met Office continued.

The Environment Agency said on X that people should plan before they make any journeys and check for flooding.

"Never drive through flood water. It only takes 30cm of water to float your car," it said.