UPDATE: More than 600 incidents in Sussex as Storm Katie batters the south

Sussex was battered by storm Katie overnight with more than 600 incidents reported across the south east.
Owls about town in Selsey damaged by storm Katie. Photo by Sam McCormackOwls about town in Selsey damaged by storm Katie. Photo by Sam McCormack
Owls about town in Selsey damaged by storm Katie. Photo by Sam McCormack

Sussex Police said it received around 600 weather-related calls between midnight and 9.30am this morning (Monday March 28) as wind of up to 70mph hit the south.

The majority of these calls related to trees being uprooted and falling onto properties or into roads.

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A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The reports are being responded to wherever needed by emergency services including highways authorities and fire and rescue services.”

Tree down on A281 at Birchens Bridge between Mannings Heath and Horsham. Photo by John WhiteTree down on A281 at Birchens Bridge between Mannings Heath and Horsham. Photo by John White
Tree down on A281 at Birchens Bridge between Mannings Heath and Horsham. Photo by John White

No injuries have been reported.

In Crawley the Balcombe Road has been blocked between Worth Road and Maidenbower due to a fallen tree.

Shipley Bridge Lane has also been blocked in Horley after a tree was uprooted near the turning from Antlands Lane, bringing down power lines to homes in the area.

In Horsham part of West Street has been blocked off due to unstable scaffolding.

Dunelm building in Eastbourne damaged by storm Katie. Photo by Janet SharpDunelm building in Eastbourne damaged by storm Katie. Photo by Janet Sharp
Dunelm building in Eastbourne damaged by storm Katie. Photo by Janet Sharp
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The A281 at Birchens Bridge between Mannings Heath and Horsham has also been blocked by a fallen tree (Photo by John White).

The roof of The Old Polegate Station restaurant, in Station Road, Polgate, was also damaged overnight by strong winds (Photo by Nathan Dunbar).

In Eastbourne Janet Sharp sent in a photo of damage to the roof of the Dunelm building in Marshall Road.

Sussex Road Police has warned the A272 Lewes Road, heading east out of Haywards Heath towards Scaynes Hill, is completely blocked by a large fallen tree.

Tree down in West Meads car park, in Rose Green, near Bognor.Tree down in West Meads car park, in Rose Green, near Bognor.
Tree down in West Meads car park, in Rose Green, near Bognor.
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The Owls about town sanctuary in Selsey also suffered devastating damage due to the storms.

A reader also sent in a picture of a fallen tree in West Meads car park, in Rose Green, near Bognor.

Power has also been lost to thousands of homes across Sussex with overhead cables damaged by fallen trees and power lines bought down.

Trains have also been delayed and cancelled after trees fell on multiple lines.

Roof damaged at The Old Polegate Station restaurant in Polegate. Photo by Nathan DunbarRoof damaged at The Old Polegate Station restaurant in Polegate. Photo by Nathan Dunbar
Roof damaged at The Old Polegate Station restaurant in Polegate. Photo by Nathan Dunbar
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National Rail has said lines between Three Bridges and Horsham, South Croydon and Oxted, Purley and Caterham and Chichester and Havant have all been disrupted due to obstructions on the line.

Services to London Bridge have been cancelled or delayed by up to 30 minutes due to an obstruction near the London station.

An obstruction on the line at Horley has also delayed services by up to 30 minutes between Redhill and Gatwick Airport.

Flights at Gatwick Airport have also been disrupted this morning due to the strong winds.

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Have you been affected by Storm Katie? Send you pictures to [email protected]

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