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Kent braces for miserable few days as 80mph gusts move in and three weather warnings issued for county

Kent is braced for a miserable few days as gusts of up to 80mph are set to batter the county.

Forecasters warn there is a chance people could be injured and vehicles blown over as strong winds move in.

The Met Office issued two yellow weather warnings for wind in Kent
The Met Office issued two yellow weather warnings for wind in Kent

The Met Office has issued three separate weather warnings covering Kent across two days while the Environment Agency has issued a flood alert.

A yellow weather warning for wind comes into force at 10pm today and is set to be lifted at 7am tomorrow.

It joins another warning for heavy rain currently in place until 6am tomorrow.

And a 24-hour yellow weather warning will come into force tomorrow at 6am due to strong and gusty winds.

Tonight’s wind warning will see a brief spell of strong winds, which may spark disruption.

A weather warning for rain is currently in force in Kent
A weather warning for rain is currently in force in Kent

The Met Office says there could be some delays to journeys by road and rail, with bridge restrictions or closures possible.

There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings – such as tiles blown from roofs – and injuries could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads and properties, the forecaster says.

It is also predicted there is a slight chance power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

And there is a small chance that some high-sided vehicles may be blown over, which would spark longer journey times and could extend into tomorrow's rush hour.

“A brief spell of very strong winds – in any one location – is possible overnight on Sunday into Monday, moving northeastwards across parts of the highlighted region,” the forecaster says.

The Environment Agency issued a flood alert covering the River Darent from Westerham to Dartford
The Environment Agency issued a flood alert covering the River Darent from Westerham to Dartford

“Gusts of 55 to 65mph are possible – should this spell develop – with a very small chance of localised gusts of up to 80 mph, particularly near coasts.

“Confidence remains very low with regards to the track of this development if it occurs.

“The strongest winds will probably only affect a narrow swathe somewhere within the broader warning area.”

But before that comes to an end at 7am tomorrow, a fresh weather warning will come into force at 6am until Tuesday morning.

The forecaster says transport delays are likely, short-term loss of power and other services is possible, and delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely.

“A period of strong and gusty southwesterly winds is likely to affect southern parts of England and Wales through Monday and at first on Tuesday,” the forecaster said.

“Gusts to 60 or 70mph are possible near the coast, with gusts of 50mph possible inland.

“Winds will gradually ease from the west on Tuesday morning.”

A yellow warning is currently in force in Kent, set to end at 6am tomorrow.

The Met Office says 10 to 20mm of rain will fall, up to 50mm over high ground.

“It’s then likely a further spell of heavy rain may develop and affect parts of England and Wales on Sunday evening, clearing early Monday and should this be the case a few places may see as much as 80mm of rain in total,” the forecaster added.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency issued a flood alert covering the River Darent from Westerham to Dartford.

It includes are such as Brasted, Sundridge, Chipstead, Dunton Green, Otford, Eynsford and South Darenth.

The agency says flooding is forecast from 4.30pm, with low-lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly in the Westerham area.

But it says: “No property flooding is expected.

“River levels will be at their highest in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

“Further flooding is possible tomorrow as river levels will remain high due to heavy rainfall.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and checking rivers for blockages in the area.

“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.”

At 8pm it warned of potential further flooding affecting the upper River Medway from Forest Row to Penhurst, including Ashurst.

And said there could be trouble with the rivers Eden, Eden Brook and Kent Ditch from Blindley Heath to Penhurst, including Edenbridge and Hever.

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