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Storm Arwen: snow hits Kent as weather causes chaos on roads

Parts of Kent have been hit by snow after Storm Arwen battered the UK.

Areas of the county were given a covering while others dealt with severe weather problems on the roads.

Snow falling in Tyler Hill, near Canterbury this morning

Tunbridge Wells was under a yellow warning of snow until 10am.

Other areas in West Kent, especially high ground, also reportedly saw snowfall, with gritters deployed ahead of time to keep main roads clear.

However drivers in more rural areas were asked to stay cautious while using the roads.

Later in the morning, the weather worsened in Ashford, with KMFM reportedly down in the district because of the conditions.

The M20 was also closed London-bound near the town, with traffic held between Junction 11 (Hythe) and Junction 10.

A crash on the M20 is causing severe tailbacks. Photo: Highways England
A crash on the M20 is causing severe tailbacks. Photo: Highways England

There were severe tailbacks on the carriageway which was closed since 8.42am, while police established the circumstances of the crash involving several vehicles.

Officers were also dealing with a heavy amount of debris and vehicles obstructing the road which must be cleared before traffic is released.

The bad weather overnight was also causing chaos on the roads in Thanet, where black ice and wet roads has reportedly seen several crashes.

Tyler Hill, Canterbury, after a snow shower this morning
Tyler Hill, Canterbury, after a snow shower this morning

Traffic queued on the A229 Thanet Way at St Nicholas at Wade in the district following as many as three separate crashes in the bad conditions, which reportedly included both heavy rain and hail.

Emergency services were at the scene after at least one car overturned after skidding on black ice between Potten Street Road and Heart In Hand Road.

A police spokesman said: "Police were called at 8.05am this morning to a report a car had overturned while travelling on the Thanet Way.

"It took place on the London-bound carriageway, around one mile away from the St Nicholas at Wade roundabout.

"Several other collisions are since said to have taken place on a similar stretch of road, on both sides of carriageway, and officers are at the scene providing assistance and seeking to establish the full circumstances.

"At present, no serious injuries have been reported and traffic is flowing, although motorists may encounter delays".

Weather warnings were put in place across the UK last night, with some remaining this morning. Picture: The Met Office
Weather warnings were put in place across the UK last night, with some remaining this morning. Picture: The Met Office

Part of the A2 between Wincheap and Bridge was also closed following a crash, and icy conditions.

This afternoon, fallen trees were removed on the A258 Liverpool Road at Canada Road in Deal and the A258 Dover Road between Station Road at Martin Mill, and Front Street at Ringwould.

Into the evening, the A260 Canterbury Road was blocked in both directions due to fallen tree between The Jackdaw Inn pub at Barham and the Lydden turn-off. The fall was reported at 5pm.

A fallen trees was also reported on the A2 London-bound near the A258 St Margaret's at Cliffe/Deal roundabout and in separate incidents, cars overturned on the A2 coast-bound near A28 Wincheap and the A21 Tonbridge by-pass north-bound near the A225 Hildenborough / Sevenoaks turn-off. The accident reportedly happened just before 6pm affecting traffic towards London.

In anticipation of more icy conditions this evening, Kent County Council will deploy gritters tonight on main roads.

The council is also warning drivers to be careful.

A tweet from @GrittingKent said: "We will be treating all primary routes from 0300hrs.

"Scattered showers are expected through the first half of the night. It will become largely dry later, and RSTs will fall away towards the end of the night under clear spells, below zero in some spots, and marginal in others."

Elsewhere in the UK, the full force of Storm Arwen struck with gusts of almost 100 miles per hour battering some areas.

Two people have died after buildings were damaged and trees blown down in the “damaging” winds.

The Met Office said speeds hit 98mph at Brizlee Wood in Northumberland.

While the red weather warning expired in the early hours of Saturday, the forecaster said amber and yellow warnings for wind remained in place, with the expectation of “some very strong gusts” in many areas.

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