Ferry operators are warning of delays to sailings because of strong winds.

Gusts, some at 75mph, are today battering Kent, affecting sailings between Dover and Calais.

A post from P&O Ferries on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon said: “We are currently experiencing delays of up to 90 mins due to the ongoing poor weather conditions. If you are travelling today, please ensure you come prepared for an extended wait.”

The cross-Channel operator DFDS said on the social media platform: “All services are currently operating with 30 minute delays due to strong winds in the Channel.

“Please check in as normal, we will transfer all passengers onto the first available sailing on arrival. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

The delays later increased to three hours.

Irish Ferries on its website also warned that its 2.55pm sailing from Dover was held up,

The Met Office had already warned of strong winds of up to 75mph going into New Year’s Day

These were forecast to affect all of England plus parts of Scotland.