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Weather warning in force for strong winds across Kent

08:25, 16 March 2019

updated: 15:23, 16 March 2019

Another yellow weather warning for strong winds in Kent is in force.

Met Office forecasters say the spell of very blustery weather is expected to affect the whole of the south east until 9pm.

The strongest winds are expected on the coast and nearby communities could suffer large waves and spray.

The strong winds at Dover seafront (7809809)
The strong winds at Dover seafront (7809809)

Gusts of 45 to 55mph are expected quite widely, with some more exposed locations seeing wind gusts of 60 to 65mph.

DFDS Seaways services from Dover to Calais and Dunkerque are experiencing delays of up to 45 minutes due to adverse conditions in the Channel and Dover Tap was briefly put in place on the A20 to queue lorries heading to the port.

Elsewhere, Southeastern train services are running at reduced speed.

A spokesman said: "High winds are forecast, so Network Rail will have a 50mph speed restriction in place across all Southeastern routes from 10am to 6pm.

"As a result of this, some trains may be delayed or revised.

"You may check your journey using our Journey Planner, the Live Departure Boards or follow us on Twitter @Se_Railway for further updates."

A yellow weather warning is in force until 9pm (7820864)
A yellow weather warning is in force until 9pm (7820864)

Meantime, trains between Canterbury and Faversham had to be suspended after a tree fell on the line at Selling.

Rain from overnight will clear but it is expected to stay cloudy, with winds also strengthening inland.

Driving conditions could also be affected, with delays for high-sided vehicles on some exposed routes and bridges.

Earlier this week the county suffered a battering from Storm Gareth.

On the Isle of Sheppey an emu escaped from its home after it was frightened by high winds from Storm Gareth and took flight.

Before the adventure: Erica the emu (7809787)
Before the adventure: Erica the emu (7809787)

In Lower Halstow three boats were blown over by the winds.

And Gareth was also to blame for Operation Stack being implemented earlier this week on the M20 as strong winds delayed ferry crossing at the Port of Dover.

Motorists also faced delays at the Dartford Crossing as adverse weather conditions saw lane closures on the QEII Bridge.

And a Spitfire which had been due to fly over the skies of the county sporting a red nose today has had to be grounded.

Operation Stack in place on M20 due Storm Gareth..M20 Bridge, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford..Picture: Andy Jones. (7792394)
Operation Stack in place on M20 due Storm Gareth..M20 Bridge, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford..Picture: Andy Jones. (7792394)

Sunday is also said to be breezy with blustery showers, sunny spells, and will feel cold.

Patchy frost is also possible overnight into Monday and there will be sunny spells, and perhaps isolated showers later during the day.

Tuesday is set to have a frosty start but will then be fine and increasingly cloudy.

Listen to kmfm for details on any travel problems.

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