Commuters in south-east England told to work from home as storm nears

Commuters have been told to work from home as widespread travel disruption is expected across south-east England as the region braces for Storm Ciarán.

Amber weather warnings of winds up to 80mph have been issued across the south of England from 06:00 GMT to 20:00 on Thursday.

Southern Railway urged commuters not to travel, warning it would be unlikely to provide rail replacement transport.

Some ferry services between Newhaven and Dieppe have been cancelled.

Gusts of 80mph are possible along the south coast on Thursday, with 20 to 25mm of rain expected, but potentially up to 40 to 60mm over higher ground, the Met Office said.

A yellow warning for wind and rain has also been issued for the South East from 05:00 GMT on Wednesday until 09:00 on Thursday.

The Met Office said there could be widespread travel disruption, damage to buildings and that flying debris could endanger lives.

Southern Railway said Storm Ciarán was expected to cause "significant disruption to trains" across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

"You should work from home on Thursday if you can, avoiding any non-essential journeys, particularly early on Thursday morning," a spokesman said.

"If lines are closed due to the storm, it's unlikely that we will be able to provide rail replacement transport. We expect road conditions to be very poor and equally affected by the storm," he added.

Gatwick Express and Thameslink routes are also expected to be affected.

Southeastern said rail users with tickets for Thursday will be able to use them on services on Wednesday and Friday, or alternatively, apply for a refund.

"High winds can blow debris and trees onto the tracks, and if the storm continues as forecast, we'll need to slow our trains down to keep you moving safely, and in some instances, we may need to close some routes altogether," a spokesperson said.

DFDS Ferries have cancelled four services to and from Newhaven and Dieppe on Wednesday night and into Thursday.

"Apologies for any inconvenience caused. All customers are being contacted," a spokesperson said.

National Highways also said there was a particular risk to caravans and motorbikes on the roads.

The Environment Agency has also urged people in the South East to prepare for the threat of flooding.

"Significant inland flooding across parts of England is possible from Wednesday to Friday, with some significant coastal impacts possible," the agency's flood duty manager Ben Lukey said.

"We urge people to stay safe on the coast and to remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades."

There are six flood warnings across West Sussex and Kent, as well as seven and five flood alerts in East Sussex and Surrey respectively, according to the Environment Agency.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service warned motorists to drive slowly, secure loose objects outdoors and check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

Storm Ciarán will arrive following major flooding across East Sussex and West Sussex.

On Sunday, a caravan park in Bognor Regis was submerged, the town's Tesco supermarket car park was flooded and the roof of a house was ripped off in heavy winds.

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