Storm Eunice hits north Kent towns across Medway, Gravesend and Dartford

High winds are forecast to hammer Kent today as Storm Eunice sweeps in across the county.

The Dartford Bridge has already been closed and tourist attractions shut during the half term break in anticipation of the bad weather.

Councils have warned people to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary with a red warning – meaning there is likely to be risk to life – issued by the Met Office.

We'll bring you the latest live updates as they happen with the worst of the weather to arrive from about 10am and the warnings in place until at least 3pm. For the bigger picture across Kent follow updates here.

Food bank organisers in Gillingham say the service will be open today but have advised people to come as early as possible.

In Gravesham, the council has closed several parks across the borough including Woodlands Park, Camer Parks, Wombwell Park, Windmill Gardens, and Fort Gardens.

A spokesman said people should "stay away from parks, open space and the riverside" for their safety.

Gravesend and Northfleet cemeteries have also been shut.

Cascades Leisure Centres in Thong Lane, Gravesend, and Cygnets in Northfleet will close between 10am and 3pm, Gravesham council confirmed.

GCLL, which runs both centres, said its third venue at Swanscombe would also shut between 10am and 3pm.

A statement on the leisure centre websites said: "Due to severe weather warnings the centres will be closed today between 10am and 3pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused - the safety of our customers and staff is our priority."

For the latest updates on Gravesham council services, go to gravesham.gov.uk/emergencies

Waste and recycling services are running today so far in Medway, Gravesham and Dartford but council officers say they will be monitoring the situation and advise residents if they are unable to make collections.

Traffic will be severely affected and the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing was closed from 5am with motorists diverted through the eastern tunnel and shortly after 10.30am the Sheppey Crossing on the A249 was also closed.

National Highways have advised people to try avoid using the M2 viaduct near Rochester if at all possible with warnings that high-sided vehicles and other "vulnerable vehicles" such as caravans and motorbikes could be blown over.

The Tilbury-Gravesend ferry service has been cancelled throughout Friday and Saturday morning and Uber Boat By Thames Clippers from Gravesend towards London is not running.

Trains will be running at reduced speeds across the network and Thameslink has advised there is no service between London Bridge and Dartford at all today.

Medway Council has abandoned carrying out the final day of roadworks in Pump Lane, Rainham which will be completed at a later date.

Tourist attractions have also prepared for the worst of the weather and the Historic Dockyard Chatham has confirmed it will not be opening at all on Friday.

A statement said: "We’re battening down the hatches.

"Due to the extreme weather warnings, we have made the decision to close the Historic Dockyard to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.

"We hope to be back open for the weekend, but please check our website and social media pages before you start your journey."

Other sites across the county including Port Lympne, Leeds Castle and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway have also closed.

Healthcare services will run but patients are advised to check before they travel to an appointment.

The Covid vaccine centre at the Pentagon Centre in Chatham is open all day but only for people with booked appointments.

However, the clinic at Asda in Chatham has been postponed on Friday and Saturday.

The University of Kent has confirmed its Medway campus will be closed on Friday.

Extra power network engineers are on duty for UK Power Networks in case any areas lose power as well as more contractors and helpline and support staff on duty.

Councils have advised how residents can contact services in an emergency.

A Medway council spokesman said: "It is likely that the winds may cause uprooted trees and falling branches and residents are encouraged to call 01634 333333, during normal working hours, or 01634 304400 after hours, in an emergency, to report any fallen trees Storm Eunice may cause."

Gravesham council says people can call the authority on 01474 337000.

Dartford residents needing emergency assistance can call 01322 343434, which also works out of hours.

Send us your videos and photos if you can safely to medway@thekmgroup.co.uk