STORM force winds of up to 69mph closed the QE2 Bridge today, leaving motorists stuck in huge traffic jams.

The bridge was shut at 6.25am because the gusts had far exceeded the crossing's 60mph limit.

Southbound traffic was diverted into the east bore of the tunnel, while drivers going north had to cram into two lanes in the west bore.

Queues stretched back to junction 3 of the M25 near Swanley and coastbound A2 traffic at its junction with the motorway was also affected.

The bridge re-opened at 9.10am as winds died down.