Flood warnings issued for Rivers Beult and Eden in Kent by Environment Agency
Published: 18:27, 01 January 2024
Updated: 18:34, 01 January 2024
Flood alerts are now in force for several parts of Kent as heavy rain is forecast overnight and tomorrow in the county.
The Environment Agency says flooding is possible along the River Beult from Bethersden and Pluckley to Stilebridge - including Smarden, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Hawkenbury – as well as the Rivers Eden, Eden Brook and Kent Ditch from Blindley Heath to Penshurst, including Edenbridge and Hever.
It comes as a yellow weather warning for wind and heavy rain was issued earlier today by the Met Office.
Winds as high as 70mph and heavy rain are set to batter the county, with the warning in place until Tuesday night.
Now the Environment Agency has warned that river levels are forecast to rise on the River Beult due to heavy rainfall tonight and into tomorrow.
It says areas most at risk include low lying land and roads close to the river, and properties on and around Moat Road, Uptons Close, Oak Farm Gardens, Ulcombe Road and Brooklands. No property flooding is expected.
With levels also forecast to rise on the River Eden and Eden Brook, it warns that the area around Water Lane and Haxted Road.
A spokesman for the Agency said: “Further rainfall is forecast throughout tomorrow with further showers forecast later this week. River levels are expected to remain high and the risk of flooding to low-lying land remains.
“We are clearing debris from weed screens in the area and are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”
To check the latest information, residents are urged to the following:
Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings and view advice on what to do before, during and after a flood https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/064WAF8UpBeult; call Floodline on 0345 988 1188, using the quickdial code 317915; follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.
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Robert Barman