Strong winds are expected to batter Suffolk today as an area of low pressure takes hold of the UK - but will the Orwell Bridge close?

There are not any current plans to close the bridge, however Highways England have said that they will be monitoring wind speeds throughout the day as Storm Ellen hits the county.

Gusts of up to 46mph have already been recorded on the bridge, and conditions are expected to remain the same through the day and into Saturday.

Despite high wind speeds, the bridge is due to remain open after Highways England received an updated forecast.

In a tweet posted just after 5pm, the agency said: “We have received an updated forecast and are monitoring wind speeds real time.

“Forecasts say wind speeds should stay at around 40mph (below threshold) and then reduce further at around 7pm. If this forecast proves to be true the bridge will remain OPEN.”

Earlier, Highways England said that they were “pre-positioning” staff incase the bridge needed to close.

John Law, forecaster for Weatherquest said: “A large area of low pressure is over the UK at the moment bringing strong winds to almost every area.

“In Suffolk we will be seeing gusts of around 40mph throughout the day and into tomorrow however, it will all calm down a bit into Saturday afternoon and evening.”