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Weather warning for rain as Kent put under flood alerts for Upper River Stour

Over 40mm of rain has hit Kent since yesterday evening as the county's roads see more than double the normal amount of crashes.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the region after a stormy night of downpours and police are urging drivers to take extra care.

Roads are suffering from the deluge - with emergency crews dealing with "a high number" of accidents - and flood alerts are also in place for rivers in the county.

Drivers wade through surface water on the A227 at Shipbourne,
Drivers wade through surface water on the A227 at Shipbourne,

The Environment Agency has released flood alerts for the River Medway after a huge amount of rainfall over the past 24 hours.

There have been almost 70 crashes since midnight, most of which are thought to be weather-related.

A number of the smashes involved skidding caused by motorists travelling too fast and close to the vehicle in front.

In Halling, the A228 Rochester Road around Pilgrims Road is reported to be flooded.

Kent Highways closed Stickfast Lane in Headcorn at its junction with Brick Kiln Lane and East Sutton Road at just before 2.30pm.

Pier Road in Gillingham was also only passable with care this morning.

Flooding in Pier Road, Gillingham today
Flooding in Pier Road, Gillingham today

And flooding was reported on the A227 between Gravesend and Meopham.

The road is partially flooded on one side, heading towards Meopham, at the junction of Bracondale Avenue.

Another part of the road, between Park Hill and Nash Bank, is often prone to problems. That is completely flooded but passable with care, however queues have been building in both directions.

Flooding on the roads. Picture by Gill Martin.
Flooding on the roads. Picture by Gill Martin.

In Swanley there was heavy traffic due to flooding on B258 Goldsel Road into town after Bevan Place.

The Environment Agency says there's a chance of flooding around the Upper River Stour from Charing to Ashford and River Darent from Westerham to Dartford.

The Met office said low pressure heading north from France could lead to up to 40mm of rain falling in some places.

Rain will continue throughout the day, with temperatures hitting a warm 17C.


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