There is a chance for some more wintery showers over the coming days
The Environment Agency has issued 12 flood warnings and alerts across Kent this morning (January 9) after Storm Goretti brought heavy rain and gale force winds to the county. River levels have risen in many areas as a result of the downpours including in Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells.
The agency is “closely monitoring the situation”, with people warned to “be prepared”. People are urged not to attempt to drive, cycle or walk through flood water.
Alerts are issued at three different levels: alerts; warnings; and severe warnings. One warning has been issued for the River Beult area from Bethersden and Pluckley to Stile Bridge, which advises that flooding is expected to take place today, particularly around Bethersden and Smarden.
The remaining 11 are alerts, which mean that flooding is “possible throughout the day” and the public is urged to take steps to protect themselves and their property. Essential preparations include getting together a bag of “vital items” such as medication and insurance documents, and to check flood warnings. You can read the full advice here.
A yellow weather warning for wind had been in effect along the Kent coast until 8am this morning as Storm Goretti brought gales of up to 70mph. While the worst of the storm is now out of the way, forecasters predict more wet and windy weather throughout the remainder of Friday and over the weekend.
Wintery showers are possible across Kent today as temperatures linger in the low single digits, resulting in some icy patches developing. Saturday (January 10) looks to be cloudy but drier overall, though the odd wintery shower remains possible ahead of a very cold night into Sunday morning (January 11).
As the weekend draws to a close, winds will strengthen and rain will sweep east once again. The Met Office then predicts temperatures turning less cold on Monday and Tuesday (January 12 and 13), though conditions will remain changeable as drier spells are broken up by showers.
Find the full details on the flood warnings and alerts in place over Kent today below.
Kent flood warnings and alerts – Friday, January 9
Warnings
River Beult from Bethersden and Pluckley to Stile Bridge
Flood warning area: River Beult from Bethersden and Pluckley to Stile Bridge, including Smarden, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Hawkenbury.
Alerts
River Darent from Westerham to Dartford
Flood alert area: River Darent from Westerham to Dartford, including Brasted, Sundridge, Chipstead, Dunton Green, Otford, Eynsford and South Darenth.
Lower River Medway
Flood alert area: River Medway from Hampstead Lock at Yalding to Allington Lock, including East Farleigh, Wateringbury, Teston and Teston Park, Tovil and Maidstone including Millennium Park.
Upper River Medway
Flood alert area: River Medway from Forest Row to Penshurst, including Ashurst.
River Bourne from Hadlow to East Peckham
Flood alert area: River Bourne from Hadlow to East Peckham, including Golden Green and Little Mill.
Rivers Eden and Eben Brook
Flood alert area: Rivers Eden, Eden Brook and Kent Ditch from Blindley Heath to Penshurst including Edenbridge and Hever.
River Teise and Lesser Teise area from Horsmonden to Yalding
Flood alert area: River Teise and Lesser Teise area from Horsmonden to Yalding, including Claygate, Collier Street and Laddingford.
River Teise area from Lamberhurst to Goudhurst
Flood alert area: River Teise area from Lamberhurst to Goudhurst, including the River Bewl and tributaries of the River Teise.
River Rother and its tributaries from Turks Bridge to the Royal Military Canal
Flood alert area: River Rother and its tributaries from Turks Bridge to the Royal Military Canal, including Crowhurst Bridge, Etchingham, Robertsbridge, Salehurst and Bodiam.
Upper River Stour
Flood alert area: Communities on the Great Stour from Charing Heath to the A2070 including Ashford, communities on the East Stour, communities on the Whitewater and Ruckinge Dykes and the Aylesford Stream.
Lower River Stour
Flood alert area: River Stour from the A2070 at Conningbrook Manor to Fordwich, including Wye, Godmersham, Shalmsford Street, Chartham, Canterbury and Sturry.
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