The QEII Bridge has reopened after Storm Darragh forced bosses to close it for nearly 10 hours.

Traffic heading into Kent had to use one of the Dartford Tunnels as wind continued to batter the county.

A yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office for Kent and it came into effect yesterday afternoon (December 6) and is in place until tomorrow morning (December 8).

The storm is also causing problems for rail passengers.

There have been 45-minute delays between Hayes and London Charing Cross heading to the capital due to an obstruction on a line at Catford Bridge.

Southeastern says the line was cleared just after 8.10am but their passengers may still be subject to delays and alterations.

Trains from Dartford to Charing Cross via Sidcup were diverted, altered and cancelled as a tree fell onto the track at New Eltham, in London.

This tree was cleared by 10.20am.

Meanwhile, seven ferry trips to and from Dover and Calais have been cancelled due to the poor weather conditions.

DFDS, which runs the services, said: “All passengers are being contacted. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

It added that all of its services today are expected to be delayed.

Another tree has fallen in Longage Hill, Lyminge, and has caused delays to Stagecoach bus services.

The 18 service is currently unable to stop at any stops from Sibton Park Gates to the Spitfire cricket ground in Canterbury.

Residents across the county should expect possible damage to buildings, and a chance of power cuts, with roads and bridges also predicted to close, due to the storm.

Storm Darragh, the fourth named storm of the season, has led to 130 flood alerts being issued across the UK ahead of heavy rain and expected winds of up to 80mph.

Millions have been urged to stay at home by the government which issued an emergency alert yesterday.

This came as the Met Office issued the red weather warning – the most serious type – meaning dangerous weather is expected.

Injuries and danger to life from flying debris also fall under this category, with longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are on the cards.