BRITAIN'S biggest container port re-opened this afternoon as winds died down.

Richard Cornwell

BRITAIN'S biggest container port re-opened this afternoon as winds died down.

Felixstowe had been closed since the early hours after gusts hit more than 45mph - making it too dangerous for the quayside crane crews to work.

Operation Stack was put in place with lorries redirected by police and Highways Agency officials to come off the A14 at Seven Hills and park on the old A45 at Levington.

A port spokesman said winds had moderated to safe working levels for rail and container yard operations to resume.

“However, we are currently only processing those vehicles that have been issued with a ticket and have a valid booking,” he said.

“It will take time to clear these vehicles - therefore drivers are requested to delay their journey until normal operations resume.

“Vehicles with tickets will be released from holding areas in a controlled manner, to allow them to be handled as efficiently as possible, and minimise local congestion.”

Weathermen expect temperatures to remain at 4C or 5C tomorrow but say it will feel much colder because of the wind.

Saturday and Sunday are expected to be bright and sunny.