Strong winds causing travel chaos in Kent with QEII Bridge closed, roads blocked and ferries delayed
Published: 00:00, 31 March 2015
Updated: 06:13, 31 March 2015
Stormy weather is causing travel chaos in Kent this morning - with long queues tailing back around the Dartford Crossing.
The QEII bridge was closed earlier due to strong winds, with traffic is being diverted through the tunnel.
The bridge has now been reopened, but there are still delays back through Rainham, Purfleet, Grays and through Kent, beyond Dartford and down the A2 to the M2.
The delays at one stage stretched back from J31 for West Thurrock to J1a for Swanscombe, with congestion on the M25 reaching the A127 turn-off at J29.
Meanwhile, the situation is being made worse with one lane closed and long delays after a vehicle broke down on the A2 westbound between J1 of the M2 at Strood and the Darenth Interchange turn-off of the M25.
Elsewhere, the A2 at Keycol Hill is closed due to a fallen tree between the A249 Maidstone Rd (Key Street roundabout and Church Lane, Newington.
DFDS and P&O Ferry services from Dover are also subject to delays.
Problems on the roads were exacerbated by an overturned vehicle on the coastbound M20 between junctions 10 and 11, which has now been cleared.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for high winds.
A spokesman said gusts could hit up to 60mph which, although easing for a time, will become very gusty throughout the day.
There was a warning of local damage from the winds and disruption to travel.
For travel updates tune into kmfm. More as we get it.
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