Reduced speed limit on A14 Orwell Bridge due to strong winds

The Orwell bridge has remained open, with a temporary reduced speed limit in place amidst strong winds from Storm Pia

The A14 Orwell Bridge near Ipswich has remained open to traffic despite strong winds attributed to Storm Pia.

National Highways announced on social media that the bridge would not close on Thursday, but a reduced speed limit was in force.

Several flood alerts have also been issued across Suffolk for the rivers Lark, Deben, Waveney and Dove.

The Environment Agency has also advised people in coastal properties to prepare for surge conditions.

National Highways East posted: "We're keeping the A14 Orwell Bridge open at this time.

"There will be reduced speeds in operation due to strong winds today. Please take extra care crossing the bridge."

There are five flood warnings in place across Suffolk including Felixstowe Ferry, Southwold Coast and the A12 at Blythburgh

There are five flood warnings in place across Suffolk.

They include Bawdsey Quay and Felixstowe Ferry, low lying properties along the tidal River Waveney, riverside properties along the tidal river Yare, The A12 at Blythburgh and the coast at Southwold.

• LISTEN: Environment Agency warns of surge conditions on coast

Andrew Raine, the Environment Agency East manager, said: "The latest storm is a low pressure storm that is pushing a lot of water in from the North Sea.

"We're going to see a surge, adding to the highs of the high tides.

"The north of the county will mainly be affected, coastal areas particularly. Those that are in a property that could be impacted, we ask you to prepare."

Flood warnings are in place at Bawdsey Quay and Felixstowe Ferry

Meanwhile, Greater Anglia rail services will be replaced by a temporary bus service from 21:00 GMT on Thursday to 12:00 on Friday "due to the risk of severe flooding".

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp [phone]