Flood barriers will be in force along various parts of the River Thames as Storm Franklin prompts various weather warnings.

The Thames Barrier, which helps protect London and Kent from flooding, is being closed in response to high tides and storm surges.

It will be shut along the estuary today from 12.45pm until 6.45pm this evening.

The Dartford Creek Barrier, which controls the tidal River Darent is also being closed, as well as other smaller barriers at Royal Dock and Barking.

The floodgates are being closed for defence purposes for the predicted high water at 5pm today.

There are also flood alerts in place from Dartford to Margate, between 2pm and 6pm, with strong winds and unsettled weather causing higher water levels than normal.

This is the 206th occasion that the barrier has been closed in response to potential flooding.

The Barrier spans 520 metres across the River Thames near Woolwich, and it protects 125 square kilometres of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges.

It has 10 steel gates that can be raised into position and when raised stand as high as a five-storey building and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge.

Despite the current turbulent weather the Environment Agency says the risk of flooding still remains low with no issues expected.

However, the Dartford Crossing remained closed this morning due to strong winds of up to 70mph being recorded.

Traffic is being diverted through the east tunnel and people are being urged not to travel.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow wind warning across England from midday until 1pm.

Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said last week marked the first time three named storms have been recorded within seven days since the storm-naming system began in 2015, with Dudley, Eunice and Franklin.

She added that there will “definitely be some impact” from Storm Franklin on Monday but it is not expected to be “as severe” as Eunice because the strongest winds will be confined to the coast.

The Thames Barrier is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world.

The Environment Agency runs and maintains the barrier as well as other flood defences.

Listen to kmfm for travel updates throughout the day.