BRITAIN'S biggest port was closed at lunchtime today as winds hit 45mph on the coast.Rail and yard operations at Felixstowe were affected with access to the quaysides restricted for safety reasons.

BRITAIN'S biggest port was closed at lunchtime today as winds hit 45mph on the coast.

Rail and yard operations at Felixstowe were affected with access to the quaysides restricted for safety reasons.

“Vehicles are being marshalled on site and will be processed through to operational areas as soon as it is safe to do so,” said a port spokesman.

Because of the closure, hauliers were likely to suffer delays and were being advised to park up en route and reschedule their arrivals.

The strong winds were likely to persist until around 6pm and Operation Stack will be brought into effect on the old A45 at Levington if there is a build-up of lorry traffic.