A flood alert has been issued to those living in villages around the River Stour following a day of heavy rainfall.

People living in and around the Charing and Ashford area have been warned to prepare as water levels are expected to rise through tonight and tomorrow morning.

It comes as the Met Office sounded the alarm with a yellow weather warning for Kent due to heavy rainfall from 2am this morning until 6am tomorrow morning (Friday).

Forecasters predict the county will likely see between 15 and 25 mm during the warning period however, some areas are predicted to see highs of 35-45mm during that time.

The Environment Agency has this evening forecasted flooding of low-lying land and roads along the Great Stour, particularly around the Mersham, and Aylesford Stream.

Other affected areas are Willesborough, the Great Stour, and the East Stour.

The agency’s warning has been primarily issued until 6am tomorrow but is subject to change.

Meanwhile, drivers are also being advised to amend their travel plans, if necessary, to avoid delays.

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation but advises people to avoid using low-lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and not to attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

Advising residents in the affected areas to “be prepared”, a spokesman said this evening: “River levels have risen on the Great Stour due to heavy rainfall throughout this morning and more this evening.

“Areas most at risk include low lying land and roads along the Great Stour, particularly around Mersham, the Aylesford Stream, particularly in Willesborough and the Great Stour and the East Stour, particularly in and around Ashford.

“Flooding of low lying land and roads along the Great Stour is possible from this evening. Further rainfall is forecast throughout tonight with further showers forecast tomorrow.”

They added: “Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.”

An update is said to be prepared by 6pm tomorrow (February 9) or if the situation changes.