The QEII bridge was closed at 10pm on Wednesday

Kent commuters are bracing themselves for a long journey home as high winds continue to affect the county's roads.

The QEII bridge finally re-opened after 19 hours at 5pm after gales forced it to shut on Wednesday night.

But rush-hour motorists still face long delays, with congestion backed up to junction 30 on the M25 at Lakeside.

There were also delays of 30 minutes into Essex from Kent as traffic is diverted via the Dartford tunnel.

It is the second time the QEII bridge has been closed this week, after storms caused it to shut on Tuesday.

Emergency services have been battling all day to remove trees felled by high winds as storms came back to lash Kent.

Crushed van passenger saved by lighter

The Met Office said the highest winds in Kent today were 65mph, recorded in Langdon, near Dover.

A spokesman said the gusts are expected to die off throughout the afternoon, but could return on Saturday.

A tree falls on the A227 Wrotham Road, Istead Rise

Police helped move a tree that blocked the A227 Wrotham Road in Istead Rise, at the junction with Bracondale Avenue.

A tree also fell into the road at The Gallops, Vigo (close to the A227) at midnight.

The roof of shops in Swanscombe came off in high winds

Just before 9am, the roof was ripped off a row of shops and flats in the centre of Swanscombe.

Inspectors were getting assistance from police and firefighters, with a height vehicle, to assess the damage.

Bus services have been disrupted as vehicles became tangled in the congestion through the village.

The Highways Agency also reported delays of 30 mins on the A2 due to heavy traffic between the A2018 (Bexley turning) and the M25.

In Medway, train passengers between Strood and Maidstone reported waiting for up to two hours this morning after storm debris blocked the Medway Valley Line.

The blockage was cleared just after 9am, disrupting commuters at Maidstone West, Maidstone Barracks, Aylesford, New Hythe, Snodland, Halling, Cuxton and Strood.

And pupils at Miers Court primary school had an unexpected day off today after high winds caused damage to part of the school's roof.

Firefighters from Medway fire station were called to the school in Silverspot Close, Rainham, at around 8.30am.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said a 25x5 metre section of the poly-carbonate roof was "severely damaged" due to high winds.

Meanwhile, charity camper Mike Collins (pictured left) has fallen vicitim to the high winds.

The ex-soldier, who is living rough for six months to raise money for services charities, had been living in a gazebo in the Folkestone Harbour lorry park.

But this morning a gust of wind destroyed the 52-year-old's camp and he is trying to salvage what is left.

Have you been affected by the strong winds? Tell us your tale, or send in pictures of storm damage to multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk