Birling Gap safety warning for Storm Goretti

The National Trust has warned against visiting Birling Gap due to the impact of Storm Goretti.

Footage shared by the organisation shows rain and rough seas at the scenic cliffs near Eastbourne in East Sussex.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind in coastal areas of Sussex and Kent, which is expected to be in place from 15:00 GMT on Thursday until 08:00 on Friday.

The National Trust advised visitors to "stay away from the cliffs and beach" on Thursday afternoon.

The Met Office warned people near the coast that "even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea".

"Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead," meteorologists said.

Goretti, the first named storm of the year, received its name from the French meteorology service.

The storm is likely to undergo "explosive cyclogenesis" or "weather bomb", which is where central pressure drops to create powerful gusts over a few hours.

The strongest winds are forecast for parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Met Office said winds would strengthen through Thursday afternoon then "gradually ease from the west through the early hours of Friday".

It advised people to secure loose items outside their homes and to check road conditions and public transport timetables for potential travel disruption.

DFDS cancelled the ferry services leaving Calais, in France, for Dover at 22:10 on Thursday and 06:35 on Friday "due to the weather". It also cancelled the ferry leaving Dover at 00:35 on Friday for Calais.

The operator apologised after it also cancelled upcoming ferries between Dieppe in France and Newhaven in East Sussex. It said the next service on that route would leave Dieppe at 17:00 on Friday.

Southeastern said it was expecting to run a "full service" on Thursday and Friday but might need to "slow some trains down" after 22:00 for "safety reasons".

The floodgates between the pier and the Glass House in Eastbourne will be closed "due to the forecast of high tides and strong winds", according to Eastbourne Borough Council.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold-health alert for England until midday on 12 January, warning of "a likely increase in demand for health services".

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