Our live coverage on Thursday 2 November 2023 has come to an end
Rain and strong winds buffeted Kent, Sussex and Surrey as Storm Ciarán hits southern England
Operation Brock was implemented on the M20
The Port of Dover suspended sailings but has now reopened to shipping
Power cuts have hit areas, including Firle, East Hoathly and Alfriston
Some visitor attractions, including RHS Garden Wisley and Worthing Pier, were closed due to the weather
Juliette Parkin
BBC South East Today
The promenade on Hove seafront by the King Alfred leisure centre is currently covered in a blanket of pebbles - thrown up overnight from the shore.
The wind is strong but still a few runners and walkers were out braving the elements.
The waves are crashing onto the beach and the sea is looking very grey and angry, with heavy rain now starting to fall.
Rail travellers are facing widespread disruption this morning, including in Surrey.
A sign at Dorking Deepdene station tells passengers that all lines are blocked between Reading and Gatwick Airport.
Two trains are scheduled to run to Reading at 10.55 GMT and 11:12 GMT.
Image source, Mark AslinSouth East Today viewers have been sending us their pictures this morning.
Mark Aslin sent us this picture of a tree blocking Vale Road in Broadstairs and John Doughty sent us a photo of Deal Pier.
You can send us your pictures and videos by emailing southeastnews@bbc.co.uk or tagging us on social media.
If you're taking pictures or videos then please do so safely.
And there will be more Storm Ciaran updates on South East Today at 1.30pm and 6.30pm, or watch on the iPlayer here.
Image source, John Doughty
Storm Ciarán's strong winds appear to have subsided in Speldhurst - for the time being, according to BBC Radio Kent's Phil Harrison.
He reports that the winds have fallen away and, despite several large puddles, he had an uneventful school run in West Kent
Fiona Keeling, Headteacher of Albourne Church of England School in Hassocks.
The practice has long been established in the US, dating back to the 1950s
The idea was to make it easier for people to engage with weather forecasts, as naming storms and other major weather events makes them more relatable - and easier to discuss and compare over time.
The Met Office in the UK agrees, believing that it is easier to follow the progress of a storm on TV, radio, or social media if it has a name.
Nina Ridge
BBC Weather
Image source, Michael MiddletonStorm Ciarán will continue to track across southern Britain today.
The strongest of the winds are concentrated across Kent and Sussex where winds will widely gust to 60mph.
Along the south coast the winds may exceed this and funnelling in the Dover strait is likely to give some gusts over 70mph.
As well as the strong winds there is more rain forecast.
Given current saturated conditions there is the potential for more flooding.
Once Storm Ciarán has passed, the weekend continues to look unsettled with more wet and windy weather.
Adrian Harms in Guildford this morning.
Matt Davison
BBC Radio Kent
The rain and localised flooding is getting worse in Gravesend where drivers struggle on the approach to the clock tower.
Here are a selection of images from across the South East showing how Storm Ciarán has affected Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Image source, PA MediaHeavy waves have been crashing against the harbour wall in Folkestone
Oldstairs Road in Kingsdown near Deal is blocked with fallen trees.
Image source, PA MediaFreight queues on the approach to the Port of Dover this morning
Sophia Cobby
BBC Radio Sussex
This morning on London Road, Bognor, there was a flood completely submersing the road and pavement.
I watched neighbours unclog the drains in pyjamas and welly boots despite some cars still driving through the deep flood. Resident Angela Edwards told me she was concerned for the safety of her own home and felt she had to help clear the drains to prevent flood damage. Angela and two other local residents helped unclogged the drains by pulling out leaves and managed to clear the water.
Several attractions are closed because of Storm Ciarán.
Deal and Worthing piers are shut to visitors, as are the Battle of Britain Memorial on the cliff top at Capel Le Ferne is shut, and Samphire Hoe near Dover.
Dover District Council says bin collections will go on as normal, but has asked householders not to put bins out “until near the expected collection time”.
Image source, PA MediaThe Port of Dover says it has now suspended all sailings., external
Freight is queuing on the A20 approaching the port.
Anyone who had been planning to travel today is being advised to check with their operator before setting out.
Andy Garland
BBC Radio Kent
Andy Garland reports from the River Medway.
Image source, Drusillas Zoo ParkDrusillas Zoo Park in Alfriston, near Eastbourne, has been forced to shut due to a power cut.
The park said it lost power across the whole facility early this morning, and will be closed for the day.
Matt Taylor
BBC Weather
The centre of the storm will track across south-east England and East Anglia, before heading into the North Sea during the afternoon.
Wind gusts have likely peaked now across the Channel Islands and Devon and Cornwall, but could still bring damage and disruption through the morning.
Winds are likely to strengthen further across coastal areas of south-east England this morning.
Whilst winds are relatively light right now close to the centre of Ciarán, much of central and southern England will also see the winds become stronger and more gusty through the morning.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe list of school closures across East Sussex has crept up to nearly 30, according to the county council.
Areas affected include Hastings, Bexhill, Hailsham and Eastbourne.
A list of closures can be found here., external
Angus Moorat
BBC Radio Surrey
Nearly 800 homes in Woking are without electricity this morning.
UK Power Networks is investigating the outages around Horsell.
There is no estimate yet on when supplies will be restored,
Sophia Cobby
BBC Radio Sussex
Locals have been doing their best to find drains following flooding in London Road, Bognor Regis.
Danny Pike speaks to the Andrew Gilham of the Environment Agency.