Suffolk is today riding out Storm Ciaran as public services see if their plans have been successful in keeping the county moving.
The worst of the storm was expected to arrive at midnight - and batter the county for most of today before blowing itself into the North Sea early on Friday.
Storm Ciaran arrives less than two weeks after Storm Babet caused widespread damage with torrential rainfall across much of the county - causing flooding in towns like Framlingham, Debenham and Needham Market.
Rain from Storm Ciaran will be falling on land already sodden after Storm Babet two weeks ago - like this lane in Debenham. (Image: Charlotte Bond)
It is the high winds of Storm Ciaran that is giving the emergency planners most concern - although the prospect of steady rain on ground already sodden is causing problems.
The Orwell Bridge was closed by National Highways at midnight as winds were forecast to rise above 60mph at its apex.
Bridge closures have become much less common since the introduction of speed restrictions three years ago.
It used to close whenever wind blew more than 45mph. Now if the wind is between 45 and 60mph traffic is restricted to 40mph but can still use the bridge.
If it is over 60mph - a much rarer occurrence - it is closed completely.
National Highways say they will monitor wind speeds during the day - but forecasters warn strong gusts are likely to continue well into Thursday evening.
The Orwell Bridge could be deserted for the whole day if forecasters have got it right about Storm Ciaran. (Image: Jerry Turner)
Wind speeds at the top of the bridge can be as much as 20mph stronger than those at ground level and the Met Office is predicting there will be no easing until Friday morning.
That could mean that the bridge is closed throughout Friday - which would be one of its longest weather-related closures on record.
Roads through Ipswich are expected to be more congested than usual as traffic avoids the bridge - but there should not be many lorries heading to or from Felixstowe Docks.
Felixstowe Port is closed to container lorries while Storm Ciaran blows itself through. (Image: Charlotte Bond)
The Port of Felixstowe has withdrawn vehicle bookings for container lorries - effectively closing itself for container traffic although the DFDS ferries may continue to operate.
Suffolk County Council has put chainsaw teams on standby across the area to go out to clear any trees that may block roads.
It is also warning utility companies to try to take precautions to prevent power or water disruption over the next few days.
The county is also co-ordinating information about school closures - several schools, including those in Debenham that were cut off two weeks ago, have already told parents they will be closed on Thursday.
Other schools closed include the Alde Valley Academy in Leiston, Bungay High School, the Sir John Lehman High in Beccles and Stone Lodge Academy in Ipswich.
The list is likely to grow during Thursday morning as the scale of the storm becomes clearer.
The winds are expected to be at their highest in the east of the county, but a Yellow Weather Warning for both wind and rain has been issued by the Met Office which covers most of Suffolk apart from the far west of the county.
Greater Anglia did not cancel any of its services in advance - but did warn passengers that there could be disruption and urged anyone planning to travel to check on their website and social media before making a journey.
A spokeswoman said: "The worst of the weather appears to be to the south of us, but we are very aware that there could be some disruption and in those circumstances we would always recommend passengers to check before travelling."
The situation is expected to change during Thursday and the best way of keeping up to date with what is happening is to follow our live feed on our websites.
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