An elderly couple have been rescued and several properties damaged after lightning struck homes across Kent.

As Kent swelters on the warmest day of the year, the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for heavy thundery showers and flooding.

Hospitals across Kent are preparing for an influx of patients, with A&E departments already reporting an increase in conditions caused by the heat.

It's sizzling outside, so here are our suggestions for the top places to keep cool in Kent.

See dramatic pictures of last nights severe storms as it emerges properties were damaged by lightning strikes.

Officials are urging people in Kent to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day as the county is put on heatwave alert.

Residents who live in constant fear of their houses and gardens flooding have hit out at Southern Water, saying they have been failed by the company.

Temperatures are hotting up across the county as Kent is set to bask in the hottest week of the year.

Parts of the county have been submerged in several inches of rain as flash floods and storms hit towns.

There have been warnings of possible flash floods across the County as heavy rain fall is expected tonight.

The Met Office has warned of flooding in Kent after issuing a weather warning for heavy thundery downpours.

Walmer lifeboat volunteers have issued safety advice after rescuing a woman kayaker in the sea this morning.

The Met Office has issued a weather alert for Kent as heavy downpours across the county could lead to flooding.

Members of the public have been stunned to see what appears to be a tornado forming over the county.

A rare weather phenomenen that looks like an upside-down rainbow has left people looking to the skies over Kent.

Cash needs to be found so communities such as Yalding and Maidstone aren't stranded by floods, a report's revealed.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Kent as heavy downpours are expected to bring poor driving conditions and flooding.

Sky-spotters were stunned to see what appeared to be several twisters forming in the skies over Kent.

A major £11 million investment to protect Tonbridge from potentially catastrophic flooding could start in just five years, it's been revealed.

Bank holiday fun-seekers can expect a mixed bag of weather - and entertainment - for a busy long weekend.