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Dartford bridge reopens following Met Office severe weather warning of 70mph winds and flooding in Kent

The QEII bridge has reopened after it was closed for several hours due to high winds.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for part of the county until 8pm with heavy rainfall also expected later on.

Motorists are facing two hours of delays after the Dartford Crossing was closed. Picture: National Highways
Motorists are facing two hours of delays after the Dartford Crossing was closed. Picture: National Highways

The Dartford Crossing bridge was shut as a result of the strong winds after only being partially closed earlier. It reopened just after 10pm.

The closure caused delays of up to two hours.

A yellow weather warning was in place for the majority of the county until 9pm and delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport were said to be likely, with damage to trees possible.

Just before 4pm, a tree fell into the road on the A229 Linton Road in Loose, Maidstone. While the A260 Canterbury Road was closed in both directions.

Some bus and train services were also said to be affected, with Southeastern advising travellers a number of fallen trees was causing problems.

The Dartford Crossing has been closed as Strom Henk batters Kent. Picture: Highways England
The Dartford Crossing has been closed as Strom Henk batters Kent. Picture: Highways England

The Medway Valley Line was delayed due to a fallen tree between Paddock Wood and Maidstone West, while the Paddock Wood line faced disruption between London and Tonbridge due to debris on the line.

The Hastings Line also experienced delays after a tree fell onto the tracks in Wadhurst near Tunbridge Wells.

Stagecoach replacement buses were also suspended due to road conditions. Southeastern offered refunds to customers who needed to use taxis to complete their journey.

Trees on the tracks in Wadhurst near Tunbridge Wells have seen delays on the Hastings Line. Picture: Southeastern
Trees on the tracks in Wadhurst near Tunbridge Wells have seen delays on the Hastings Line. Picture: Southeastern

Elsewhere, parts of Allhallows, Cliffe, Swanscombe and Greenhithe were included in the amber warning zone by the Met Office.

The area was affected by Storm Henk, which brought a spell of very strong winds to the northeast that forecasters warned could lead to Injuries or danger to life.

One woman remains in hospital after being trapped by a tree that was blown over in Orpington.

Ferries at Dover were also impacted.

DFDS confirmed its Calais to Dover service at 11.20am was cancelled due to the weather.

A spokesman explained that customers would be transferred to the first available departure.

Meanwhile the Lidl in Whitfield, Dover has been forced to temporarily close after its roof was damaged.

The national weather company flagged the warning yesterday, just a few days after Storm Gerrit caused chaos.

A DFDS ferry. Picture: @DFDSUKUpdates
A DFDS ferry. Picture: @DFDSUKUpdates

Scaffolding at a shopping centre in Swanley was torn down because of the strong winds.

Fire crews were called to the scene last Wednesday after employees inside heard a “loud bang”.

Elsewhere, customers heading for Leeds Castle festive lights, near Maidstone, were left annoyed after access to the site was cancelled on the day because of safety fears.

In coastal areas, winds were expected to reach 60mph at times, with a lower likelihood of 70mph gusts.

A tree has been blown into the road on the A229 Linton Road, Loose, Maidstone. Picture: Sasha Hall
A tree has been blown into the road on the A229 Linton Road, Loose, Maidstone. Picture: Sasha Hall

Inland wind speeds of 40 to 50 mph were likely but with a smaller chance of 55 to 60 mph gusts.

Due to the heavy rain, flood alerts are also in force for several parts of Kent.

River levels of the Middle River Medway are set to rise between Penshurst to Hampstead Lock at Yalding.

Areas that could be affected include the Leigh Flood Storage area, Ensfield Road, Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, the Hop Farm, East Peckham, Branbridges and Hale Street.

Low-lying land and roads at Tonbridge playing fields and town centre car parks, through to Tudeley, East Peckham and Yalding are most at risk.

River levels are expected to rise. Picture: Met Office and Stock Image
River levels are expected to rise. Picture: Met Office and Stock Image

Sports pitches, also known as the racecourse, in Tonbridge and Postern Lane are also set to be affected.

Minor flooding within the Little Venice park at Yalding is possible with initial flood peaks expected in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Other affected areas include the Lower River Medway, between Snodland and Maidstone, the River Beult from Pluckley and Bethersden to Stilebridge, the Upper River Stour, near Ashford, and groundwater flooding across East Kent.

For the latest traffic and travel news listen to kmfm.

For more information about the weather warnings, visit the Met Office website.

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