Strong winds will batter south east London and Kent until 6pm today (February 8), with the arrival of Storm Imogen.

Following stormy weather overnight, drivers are being warned to expect winds of up to 70mph.

Highways England has issued an amber weather warning for motorways and A-roads in the south east as a result.

Drivers – in particular those in lorries, motorbikes and caravans - are urged to check the weather conditions before setting off, and to be extra careful in high lying areas and on bridges.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for London and Kent, with an amber warning in place on the coast.

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A spokesman warned: "Please be prepared for disruption to travel as well as possible damage to trees and structures, and interruption of power supplies."

A Southeastern spokesman said the company have put speed restrictions on some of their trains this morning, because of the challenging conditions.

 

It follows a weekend of wind-related disruption, with various large items blocking the tracks.

On Saturday, a metal fence was blown onto the tracks near Bromley South – and got caught in a train's wheels.

Trains were delayed and diverted as a result, whilst a tree on the tracks near Kidbrooke completely closed the line.

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Picture: Southeastern

It was shut for around two hours, whilst the power was turned off and the "chainsaw team" cut up and moved the obstruction.

And at around 11pm last night, as the windy weather began, a train struck debris between Swanley and Eysford.

Southeastern apologised to customers for the disruption.

Gary Webb from Highways England said: "Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.

"In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes."