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Kent weather: Wind and rain across Kent cause destruction and delays as Storm Brendan hits UK

Howling wind and torrential rain has caused destruction and transport issues across the county.

A yellow rain warning remains in place across Kent this morning.

KMTV report on the worst of the weather

A tall scaffolding tower in Orpington was toppled by the gusts, forcing the closure of Chelsfield Lane.

A number of cars were damaged by the structure and emergency services including an ambulance and fire engine attended.

KCC Highways has been working to clear roads of fallen debris, with chainsaw gangs being used to clear larger trees in the roads.

Senior highway manager Toby Howe said: "Overnight we've had guys and girls out to respond to any enquiries due to flooding and fallen trees.

This scaffolding tower fell onto cars in Orpington during last night's storm, forcing the closure of Chelsfield Lane. Picture: UKNIP
This scaffolding tower fell onto cars in Orpington during last night's storm, forcing the closure of Chelsfield Lane. Picture: UKNIP

"Allow extra time and take care, especially those that are on minor roads because you don't know what's around the next corner.

"There will still be branches and trees down in the more rural areas that we've not been made aware of."

It came as Storm Brendan lashed the north of the country but the extreme weather in the county was the effect of a separate area of low pressure which moved in from The Atlantic from midday.

In the east, lorries have begun to queue in Dover as wind continues to cause crossing delays.

The shipping forecast issued by the Met Office last night suggests passengers could experience storm force 10 conditions, eventually decreasing to gale force 8.

Late departures have already been taking place today, with ferries on both sides of The Channel having their timetables amended.

Some have been pushed forward, others are delayed by up to two hours and the 9.40am crossing from Calais has been cancelled.

Currently, freight is being managed by police as traffic merges from the A2 Jubilee Way and the A20 Townwall Street.

This is creating tailbacks in the area, and P&O Ferries are advising that passengers check on their twitter page for traffic and timetable updates.

A tree was ripped from the ground in Sainsbury's car park in Deal
A tree was ripped from the ground in Sainsbury's car park in Deal
The tree has blocked four car parking spaces
The tree has blocked four car parking spaces

In Deal, a tree has fallen in Sainsbury's supermarket car park blocking four spaces.

The spruce sited outside Deal Railway Station is the only one of three to have been ripped from the ground by the high coastal winds.

It has been cordoned off with yellow tape and trolleys while arrangements for its removal are made.

Elsewhere, Network Rail crews have been working through the night to clear fallen debris from tracks as high winds battered Kent.

An hour ago, Southeastern confirmed that there are currently no wind-related speed restrictions in place in the county and praised the clearance teams.

Network Rail crews were praised for working through the blustery night, clearing fallen trees such as this. Picture: Network Rail
Network Rail crews were praised for working through the blustery night, clearing fallen trees such as this. Picture: Network Rail

Trees have however been falling across Kent.

A Dartford resident took a picture of a tree which had fallen onto cars in the town's station car park.

It was removed at about midnight, and it's not known if any damage was caused to the vehicles.

Dartford resident Matt Wright took this picture of a tree which had fallen onto the town's station car park. Picture: Matt Wright
Dartford resident Matt Wright took this picture of a tree which had fallen onto the town's station car park. Picture: Matt Wright

Tree surgeons were also called to a busy main road in Gravesend after a fallen tree blocked the path of motorists.

Police attended the incident in Valley Drive shortly after 11pm before passing it over to Kent County Council's "chainsaw gangs".

Lorries are queuing on the A2 Jubilee Way this morning as ferry timetables are affected by the weather
Lorries are queuing on the A2 Jubilee Way this morning as ferry timetables are affected by the weather

This morning another tree was spotted perched on the edge of a fence in Milton Place, on the corner of the Cream's Cafe in Gravesend town centre.

Meanwhile in Oad Street, Sittingbourne, a tree is still blocking the road after coming down in high winds and taking with it part of a wall.

A tree leaning precariously in Gravesend town centre. Picture: Jason Arthur
A tree leaning precariously in Gravesend town centre. Picture: Jason Arthur

Over in Maidstone, multiple buckets were dotted around a shopping mall when water started seeping through the roof.

Some seven buckets could be seen in the Royal Star Arcade, High Street, yesterday evening and were also in place this morning.

They were, however, removed later today.

Buckets were placed in Royal Star Arcade to catch the water seeping through the roof
Buckets were placed in Royal Star Arcade to catch the water seeping through the roof

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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