The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning covering between Emsworth and Selsey Bill – the second highest level of warning – ahead of the high tides.

Winds of up to 80mph are also expected to hit the district, which could cause some minor structural damage to buildings and large objects such as garden furniture and fence panels to be blown around.

The district council is monitoring the situation and receiving regular reports from the Environment Agency and the Met Office as to the expected weather conditions.

Building control officers are on standby to advise on any structural damage that may be sustained during the storms. Operators from Chichester Contract Services are also on standby to assess the need for sandbags at homes under immediate threat.

Residents are advised to stay in touch with the latest weather forecast and warnings on local TV, radio and newspaper websites, as well as the Chichester District Council website.