Kent is being battered by very strong winds as Storm Doris sweeps across the country.

A severe weather warning is in place as gusts of up to 80mph look set to cause travel disruption and possible damage to trees and buildings.

The QEII Bridge was closed this morning, and the Sheppey crossing was shut at lunchtime.

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Highways England said the Dartford bridge was due to be shut until at least 6pm, and at 7.15pm officials confirmed all lanes have reopened.

Trees have been uprooted and there are also speed restrictions on trains and ferry services are disrupted due to rough conditions in the Channel.

There are said to be signficant delays of up to an hour on Southeastern due to speed restrictions, an update at around 4pm revealed.

In Dartford, part of the roof of a building in Crossways Boulevard has been blown off.

And in Ashford, shoppers had a lucky escape when a metal sheet came loose from a shop and crashed to the ground.

Video: Reporter Poppy Jeffery braves Storm Doris

The Met Office said winds of 60 to 70mph are likely, reaching up to 80mph on coasts and hills.

A spokesman said: "Whilst the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris. Trees are also likely to be damaged or blown over."

Heavy rain is also likely throughout the day.

The yellow "be aware" warning came into force at 6am and remains in place until 8pm.

A spokesman added: "There is still some uncertainty about the track of storm Doris, but increasing confidence that there will be widespread disruption across parts of England and Wales."

Drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads.

VIDEO: Storm Doris hits the Kent coast

There are several fallen trees across the county, including in Goudhurst and Hildenborough.

A tree falling really summed up the views of motorists wanting to use the Sittingbourne route... it was at The Butts.

And a tree was felled by the winds at the junction of Union Street and New Road, Chatham, this afternoon. It was cleared by council workers by 2pm.

Storm Doris also struck at a department store in Folkestone.

Police and fire crews are currently at Debenhams in Sandgate Road after reports of loose bris on the building.

Officers have taped off the area.

Firefighters have been working throughout the day to deal with storm damage.

These include:

• A 20 foot long hoarding had partially come down across the footpath, the remainder was being supported by three members of the public in the High Street, Edenbridge
• A skylight from a four-storey building in Cecil Street, Margate was secured after it was hanging from the building
• Firefighters used a short extension ladder to remove a trampoline that had blown onto the roof of a bungalow in Kennington, Ashford. It was then secured using rope
• A large pine tree overhanging the public footpath in Hoo St Werburgh
• Crews secured a large sign that was overhanging the public walkway in Margate High Street
• Firefighters secured a large trampoline that had blown into a wall and building in Northdown Park, Margate
• Crews have been called to Alfred Road, Birchington, where they have been making two roofs safe. The area has been cordoned off for public safety.

Firefighters are also dealing with a partial wall collapse between shops in Thomsett Way, Queenborough.

All the retail units have been evacuated as a precaution and no one has been injured.

Highways England’s head of road safety Richard Leonard said: "We're expecting Storm Doris to have a significant impact on the roads throughout the day so are urging drivers to consider changing their plans if necessary and to slow down in stormy weather.

"Our traffic officers will also be ready to respond to any incidents during Storm Doris, and we’re urging drivers to respond to the changing conditions on the road to stay safe."

In Ashford, the police station's entrance has been closed after strong winds dislodged scaffolding encasing the building.

Trains across Southeastern's network will be affected by a 50mph speed restriction until 5pm, in case objects are blown onto the tracks.

Ellie Burrows, train services director at Southeastern, said: "Some of our services will be affected by the speed restrictions put in place by Network Rail as a safety measure due to the forecast bad weather.

"At present, restrictions will apply from 10am - 5pm on coastal routes from Ashford - Ramsgate, and Hastings – Battle; and midday - 5pm on all other routes.

"We will continue to work with Network Rail to monitor the necessity of these important safety measures, but we advise all passengers to check before they travel and to allow more time for their journeys."

Andy Derbyshire, chief operating officer, Network Rail South East route, added: "Gale force winds are forecast, so we’re putting a 50mph speed limit in place when winds are strongest to limit the risk to passengers and staff should trees or other objects get blown onto the tracks.

"This is part of our standard planning for stormy weather, but it will mean changes to journeys for some passengers. Your safety is our top priority, so thank you for your understanding and please check before you travel."

A 50mph speed limit is also being imposed on Southern services until 5pm.

Southern Passenger Services Director Angie Doll said: "I'm sorry but these speed restrictions will mean that we won't be able to run our full service on some of our routes, with cancellations and delays likely across the Southern network."

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