A surfer has been spotted braving huge waves on the Kent coast in the middle of Storm Ciaran.

The man was filmed plunging into the water in Folkestone as 85mph winds battered the seafront this morning.

Footage shows him on his board at Sunny Sands beach at around 7am today.

At the time, the entire coastal region of the county was under an amber severe weather alert for wind.

The video shows strong waves pelting the man as he powers away from the shore.

The staggering act has divided residents, with many taking to social media to decry it as “reckless”, and others commending the “bravery” of the man.

“Why put yourself in danger – and others who have to rescue you?” one asked.

But an onlooker defended the move, arguing: “If he's an experienced surfer (of which there are many locally) then these conditions are standard.

“Many surfers will travel to Atlantic coasts to surf, where the waves and currents are much larger and more powerful than Folkestone.”

Another responded: “I don't care how good a surfer he is, it’s reckless and irresponsible to go out in these conditions. The sea is unforgiving.”

While the amber wind warning passed at noon today, Storm Ciaran has wreaked havoc in Kent.

Just across the bay, a number of ships were wrecked by the strong winds and waves.

On dry land, two buses were abandoned after their windscreens were blown out.

It comes as the bus company has cancelled more than 100 services.

For live updates on the storm, click here.

A yellow alert for strong winds is in place until 5pm.