The Dartford Crossing bridge will close at midnight tonight due to high winds.

Highways England said it was unsafe for the bridge, which carries traffic from Essex into Kent at the Dartford Crossing, to stay open with the weather conditions.

A yellow warning for wind has been issued from 9pm on Wednesday, January 17, until 11am on Thursday.

The east tunnel will shut at 9pm in preparation for the closure.

The bridge is expected to reopen when wind speeds go down to a safe level at about 11am tomorrow.

A spokesman from Highways England said: “Highways England will continue to monitor wind speeds closely and will reopen the bridge as soon as winds drop to a safe level.

“While the bridge is expected to open after the morning rush hour, this could change based on forecast wind speeds.

“The crossing will remain open with the tunnel operating in both directions when the bridge is closed.”

Drivers on the clockwise M25 heading into Kent will be diverted through the east tunnel after midnight.

From 9pm until 12am, drivers on the anti-clockwise carriageway coming into Essex will be diverted through the west tunnel.

Planned maintenance has been cancelled due to the closure.