Commuters and people hoping to get away for the Christmas holiday are being warned to be careful after a severe weather warning was issued.

Heavy rain and gusts of up to 70mph are being predicted from this morning into Christmas Eve.

The Highways Agency has issued an amber alert, warning drivers in the south east to be on their guard.

Those using high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans are being urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out.

Met Office forecasters are predicting the strongest winds look to be across the south through tomorrow with southern coastal routes particularly affected.

Up to 60mm of rain could fall in some areas, posing problems where the ground is already saturated. This will also bring the risk of road surface water and river flooding.

Gusts of up to 60mph are likely south of the M4 across to Suffolk with 70mph gusts likely on routes close to the coast.

The public should be aware of the potential for significant disruption to travel with the possibility of flooding in some areas.

The Highways Agency's head of on-road services, John McTaggart, said:“We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor conditions ahead of tomorrow.

"Road users are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.

“Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space.

"In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow the clearly signed diversion routes."

Currently, the agency is advising drivers of high-sided or other vehicles vulnerable to high winds, to avoid the following roads if possible from noon on today.

• QE2 Bridge/Dartford Crossing
• A2 Jubilee Way close to Dover
• M2 junction 2 to 3
• A249 Sheppey Crossing

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