Brighton Palace Pier shuts all rides as 70 mph gusts batter Sussex: will your plans today survive?

Bank cards, buggies and beach towels stayed in pockets this morning as Sussex woke to rattling windows and restless seas.

Visitors heading for Brighton’s famous boardwalk met a change of plan, as weather put safety first and thrill-seekers on pause. The pier team moved quickly, reshaping the day to keep guests out of harm’s way while coastal winds surged.

What has changed on the pier

Brighton Palace Pier has closed every ride for Monday, 15 September, in response to very strong winds along the Sussex coast. Managers described it as a difficult call, but one driven by safety and the forecast. People who booked wristbands for today have been invited to rearrange their visit. Palace Play Soft Play remains open until 5pm for families seeking a sheltered activity.

All rides are shut for the day while high winds sweep the seafront. Wristband holders can rearrange their booking.

How to rearrange your visit

• If you pre-booked a wristband, contact the pier team by phone on 01273 609361.
• Alternatively, email [email protected] to move your booking to another date.
• Keep your booking reference to hand to speed up the change.

What the weather warning actually means

The Met Office has a yellow warning for strong winds across Sussex. It runs from 8pm on Sunday, 14 September, through to 6pm on Monday, 15 September. Forecasters expect blustery conditions to roll inland during the morning, then slowly ease west to east later in the day.

Yellow wind warning, 8pm Sun 14 Sep — 6pm Mon 15 Sep: expect travel delays, large waves, and short power cuts.

How strong are the gusts

Inland, gusts of 45–55 mph are likely. Along exposed coasts and hills, bursts of 60–70 mph are possible. On the Beaufort scale, that sits around strong gale at the top end on coastal stretches. These speeds can disrupt high-sided vehicles, rattle scaffolding, and lift unsecured items. On a pier, crosswinds create extra risk for moving rides and elevated platforms.

Forecast gusts: 45–55 mph inland, up to 60–70 mph on the most exposed coastal spots and hills.

Impact on travel and power

Drivers should expect slower journeys, with spray on the A259 and crosswinds on exposed stretches. Rail passengers may face speed restrictions or debris on lines. Ferry departures can see delays. Air travel sometimes reduces movements in gusty crosswinds. Power flickers and localised cuts can occur where branches strike overhead lines.

• Check service updates before leaving home and leave extra time.
• Secure bins, garden furniture, and lightweight signage to prevent damage.
• Avoid the lower promenade during peak gusts if waves overtop the sea wall.

Key facts at a glance

Why a pier shuts in high winds

Fairground machinery relies on tight tolerances. Strong crosswinds add unpredictable lateral forces, especially on elevated track and tower rides. Braking distances change. Evacuation routes become harder to manage. Salt spray and airborne grit reduce visibility and can affect traction. Duty managers also consider crowd control on open decking, where gusts can catch prams or loose items. A short suspension today prevents accidents and protects equipment for the rest of the season.

What it feels like on the deck at 60–70 mph

At those speeds, the wind can shove a person off balance. Conversations become shouts. Sand needles cheeks and eyes. Doors slam and hinges strain. Waves grow broad shoulders and throw spray over railings. On a structure that stands out over the water, these forces add up fast.

What you can still do in Brighton today

If rides were your plan, you still have options under cover. Soft play runs until 5pm for families with little ones. Many indoor attractions across the city continue as normal, including galleries, arcades, and cafes set back from the seafront. Keep away from the edge during high tide and peak gusts if you do walk the promenade, and watch for cordons near spray zones.

Tips if you booked for a birthday or meet-up

• Contact the pier team to shift your wristbands to a calmer day.
• Hold a quick indoor plan B within walking distance, then check conditions again later.
• Bring layers and a dry bag for phones and keys if you do head out.

Safety notes for residents and visitors

Keep pets on leads near the water. Move bikes and scooters off the seafront racks if sea spray reaches the pavement. Park away from trees that shed branches. If you rely on powered medical devices, charge early and keep a torch handy in case of a short outage. For anyone commuting, use handrails on station platforms when gusts peak.

What happens next

Forecasters expect the wind to ease later today from the west, with conditions improving into the evening. Pier teams will carry out inspections before any rides restart, checking track, restraints, and fixings after the blow. Updates usually arrive once engineers sign off and operations agree a reopening window.

Inspections follow the blow. Rides restart only when engineers and operations sign off that conditions are safe.

Extra context for windy days on the coast

Wind speed alone does not tell the whole story. Direction matters. A westerly or southwesterly often lines the channel and funnels along the frontage, pushing spray further inland. Tide height and surge also affect wave run-up. A midday high tide during maximum gusts produces the most dramatic plumes over sea walls. If that coincides with school runs or tourist peaks, authorities may close sections of promenade for public safety.

For those planning future visits, consider a flexible ticket where offered, and check the morning forecast before setting off. Pack a windproof layer, and plan a sheltered stop for food or a warm drink. A quick risk check pays off when conditions turn, especially with children or older relatives in the group.