Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds due to Storm Erik
Published: 11:35, 08 February 2019
Updated: 16:33, 08 October 2019
Stormy weather has been causing travel disruption across Kent.
The Met Office earlier issued a warning with Storm Erik bringing winds of up to 60mph.
The conditions are expected to continue until 8pm tonight and officials say they are likely to lead to delays to road, rail and ferry services and airports across the South East.
Sutton Road in Maidstone was partially blocked due to a fallen tree and traffic light failure in Northumberland Road.
Strong winds also led to a tree falling on the rail line between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, bringing a halt to Southeastern services.
It happened at around 11.50am and officials said the line reopened just after 1pm.
Meanwhile, a weather warning has been put in place at Walderslade woods in Medway where almost 200 trees came down due to the weight of snow last week.
Officials say strong winds are also delaying repairs to the A20 Roundhill Tunnel, on the outskirts of Folkestone, which has been closed in both directions.
There are delays of up to two hours on DFDS Seaways between Dover and Dunkerque due to adverse weather conditions.
Ramsgate resident Cecilia de Castro took to Twitter to complain about the weather saying: "Due to high winds the rubbish bins out today for collection are becoming flying hazards."
The Met Office warning says:
- Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
- Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer
- Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
- Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
- It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities affected by spray and/or large waves
Although the Storm Erik is due to pass tonight, it is expected to be windy tomorrow on what will be a day of sunshine and showers.
- Send us your Storm Erik pictures to news@thekmgroup.co.uk or tweet us @Kent_Online
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Geoffrey Bew