There are 11 flood warnings and alerts still in place for Kent today (Tuesday, January 7) as river levels remain high throughout the county. Heavy rains persisted over the weekend and Monday morning, resulting in widespread flooding.
Roads were closed and public transport services suffered disruption yesterday as a result of adverse weather conditions, worsened by strong winds. Throughout the day, the Environment Agency began to issue flood warnings and alerts for Kent, covering key riverside areas where levels had seen a notable rise.
Though conditions largely dried up during the afternoon and overnight, river levels are still high in many areas, meaning flood alerts remain in place. These alerts are issued at three different levels: alerts, warnings and severe warnings
There are a total of three flood warnings in effect for Kent today where residents are urged to: “Start acting on your flood plan if you have one. Activate any property flood protection products you may have.”
One of these warnings is in place for the Little Venice caravan park in Yalding which had been hit particularly hard by the flooding on Monday. Images from the park showed locals trudging through knee-deep water as levels on the River Medway continued to rise.
For those areas where alerts are in effect, residents are advised that they “need to prepare” as flooding is possible. 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 EA advice here.
The EA added: “Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and never drive through flood water, just 30cm of fast flowing water is enough to move your car.” Conditions are largely expected to stay dry and sunny in Kent today and alerts are to be updated by 7pm this evening.
Further rain showers are however expected in the south east on Wednesday, January 8. Alongside this, there is a risk of sleet and wintery showers developing thanks to plummeting temperatures which have sparked a yellow weather warning for snow covering all of Kent.
Kent flood alerts and warnings – Tuesday, January 7
There are 11 flood warnings and alerts in place across Kent today (January 7)
(Image: EA)
Warnings
River Medway, River Teise and River Beult at Yalding
Flood warning area: Yalding including Benover and Congelow.
Little Venice Country Park and Marina
Flood warning area: Little Venice Country Park and Marina, including low lying properties in Yalding around Yalding Bridge.
River Medway between Yalding and Maidstone
Flood warning area: River Medway between Yalding and Maidstone, including Wateringbury, West Farleigh, Teston and East Farleigh.
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.
Rivers Eden and Eden Brook
Flood alert area: Rivers Eden, Eden Brook and Kent Ditch from Blindley Heath to Penshurst including Edenbridge and Hever.
Middle River Medway
Flood alert area: River Beult from Stile Bridge to Hampstead Lock at Yalding, including Marden, Chainhurst, Collier Street and Benover.
River Beult from Stilebridge to Hampstead Lock at Yalding
Flood alert area: River Beult from Stile Bridge to Hampstead Lock at Yalding, including Marden, Chainhurst, Collier Street and Benover.
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 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.
Tidal River Stour area from Fordwich to Stonar Cut
Flood alert area: Tidal River Stour area from Fordwich to Stonar Cut including Stodmarsh, Grove Ferry, Plucks Gutter, Ash Level and Minster Marsh.