Drivers are being urged to take extra care on Kent's roads tonight after a severe weather alert for gales.

The Highways Agency warned motorists that strong winds of up to 65mph combined with heavy rain will make driving conditions dangerous this evening.

It is advising drivers of "vulnerable" vehicles - such as motorbikes, high-sided lorries or those towing a trailer - to avoid the:

• A282 QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing

• M2 Medway Viaduct, from junctions two to three

• A249 Kingsferry Bridge/Sheppey Crossing

• A2 Jubilee Way, close to Dover

Met Office forecasters are predicting southerly winds will increase to 50mph this afternoon, reaching up to 65mph in parts of Kent.

They said said the QEII Bridge at Dartford is expected to experience strong gusts from 9pm until midnight.

The Highways Agency has issued a severe weather alert for gales in the south east and south west regions.

A spokesman said: "Road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing any kind of trailer are being 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."

Meanwhile, P&O Ferries said adverse weather conditions were causing delays of up to 35 minutes between Dover and Calais this afternoon.