A number of repair works are already being carried out
Folkestone’s coastline sustained serious damage during the strong winds.(Image: Folkestone and Hythe District Council)
Repair works are being carried out in Folkestone and Hythe after the coastline was battered by gale force winds brought by Storm Goretti. A yellow weather warning for strong wind had been in effect over the Kent coast from yesterday afternoon (January 8) until this morning (January 9) as gusts of up to 70mph were warned.
Through the evening and overnight, Folkestone and Hythe were hit particularly hard by the forceful gales, with shingles being blown onto roads and sea walls and railings sustaining serious damage. The displaced shingles have forced the A259 Sandgate Esplanade to close and caused disruption elsewhere.
Crews have been out throughout the day working to clear the stones from the promenades, while teams are re-siting beach huts where possible. Folkestone and Hythe District Council is liaising closely with Kent County Council regarding the work needed to be carried out to reopen the A259, though it has been advised that this may take a few days to complete.
Diggers are clearing the back of the sea wall to allow water to drain from the road. Despite the strong winds, there have been no reports of injuries to residents in the area, or of flooding to properties amid the heavy rain.
A Folkestone and Hythe District Council spokesperson said: “Our coastline took a battering last night and we are doing our very best to get everything back to normal as soon as possible. While the damage caused is significant, we’re pleased there have been no reports of any flooding or damage to residential properties – nor injuries or harm to any residents – thanks to our bi-annual beach management programme.”
Elsewhere in Kent, flood alerts and warnings have been issued where river levels have risen following the heavy rain showers. Find out more here.
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