Gale force winds and heavy rain are causing problems on Kent's road and rail networks today.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for several parts of the UK, including south-east England. Gusts of up to 60mph are lashing the county.

Charles Powell, Met Office forecaster, said: “A good deal of wet and
windy weather is the best way to describe it. We’ve got a fairly intense area of low pressure moving up at the moment. It’s already moved across parts of Devon and Cornwall.”

Ferries out of Dover have been disrupted with all P&O vessels delayed by up to two and a half hours.

The Highways Agency has also issued advice to motorists, asking them to plan their journeys carefully and allow for extra time where necessary. Motorbikes, caravans and lorries are being urged to avoid certain roads such as the A2 and Dartford Crossing.

There was slow traffic on the A2 Londonbound earlier after debris was blown onto the road between the exits for Gravesend and Bluewater. Trains from Dover were also affected because the line was blocked.

Mr Powell continued: “The advice is to only make journeys if they are necessary and drive to the conditions set down by the weather but also
stay on track with the warnings issued by the Met Office.”

A boat that took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant last weekend was also blown free of its moorings in Sandwich this morning. The Matthew of Bristol ended up running aground on a muddy bank on the opposite side of the quay. Its crew now has to wait until the tide comes back in before the medieval replica can be re-floated.

It comes after one of the wettest Aprils on record and several downpours over the jubilee weekend.

The weather is now expected to remain unsettled throughout the weekend, although winds are expected to lessen.

Mr Powell concluded: “We’re still going to see a bit of a breeze and
maybe some rain from time to time, but not as severe or strong as
today. Saturday should be mainly dry with some light winds.”

The sun may also be set for a return - some periods of prolonged, warm
weather have been predicted for the end of the month.