Update 1545 hrs
M25. Bridge re-opened and long delays earlier clockwise at A282, QE2 Bridge, because of strong winds earlier.
Update: 1215 hrs
M25 closed and long delays clockwise at A282, QE2 Bridge, because of strong winds. Diversion in operation – via the Dartford Tunnels. Congestion to J30, A13 (Lakeside).
YT understands that large areas of Grays High Street taped off over concerns re metal sheeting possibly being blown off the State Cinema.
Update: 1000 hrs
The bridge is not expected to re-open until this afternoon. The Orwell Bridge in Ipswich has re-opened.
Update: 0815 hrs
M25 closed clockwise at A282, QE2 Bridge, because of strong winds. Expect delays.
One lane blocked on A13 westbound in Wennington before Wennington Interchange, because of a broken down car.
No disruptions on C2C
Update: 2320 hrs
A train has struck a tree between Ockendon and Upminster and is unable to move.
Buses being ordered to travel between Ockendon and Upminster
M25 Essex – M25 closed clockwise at A282, QE2 Bridge, because of strong winds. Expect delays.
Update: 1915 hrs
Message from Highways Agency
Road users are advised that the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing and the A249 Sheppey Crossing will close tonight due to high winds.
The bridges are due to be closed from around 9pm tonight (Friday 14 February) and the closures will remain in place until high winds ease, which is expected to be around mid- afternoon tomorrow (Saturday 15 February).
The Highways Agency will continue to monitor wind speeds closely and will reopen the bridges as soon as it is safe to do so.
Southbound traffic at the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing will be diverted to use the east bore of the Dartford Tunnel and northbound traffic to use the west bore. As a consequence, drivers of overheight vehicles (over 15ft 9 / 4.8 metres) are advised that they will be unable to use the east bore, which will be closed in advance of the QEII bridge.
Update: 1855 hrs
Cars restricted to 30 mph on QE2 Bridge.
Two lanes closed and queueing traffic on M25 clockwise at A282, QE2 Bridge, because of strong winds. Congestion to J29, A127 (Romford).
Incident: 1525 hrs
MOTORISTS have been warned that the QE2 Bridge could shut later this evening (Friday) as weather reports have suggested that strong to gale force winds could sweep across Essex.
Gusts of up to 70mph are expected at about 6pm.
Tendring, Maldon, Rochford, Basildon, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock placed on Amber Alert by Met Office from 1800 Fri.
Impacts locally could rival ‘St Judes Storm’ with travel disruption and uprooted trees. Some structural damage possible.
Chadwell St Mary Weather Station recorded a high wind gust of 62 mph at 23.13 hrs on the Friday night.