Storm in Kent causes road blockages, flooding and power cuts in Faversham, Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable
Published: 14:00, 13 August 2015
Many parts of Kent are under water this afternoon after torrential rain, thunder and lightning struck.
Trains are delayed between Faversham and Chatham after flooding submerged the line at Gillingham.
Many roads, including North Lane in Faversham, the Friars and Old Dover Road in Canterbury are both blocked because of the downpour.
People in Faversham reported a short power cut and Sky boxes not working after the electric came back on.
Fire crews were called to a flooded basement in St Stephen's Road in Canterbury and staff at a grocery shop in Herne Bay reported being 'knee high' in water and sewage.
There were also big floods in a number of Canterbury roads, including in the High Street near Nasons, Castle Street, Littlebourne Road, Hoistings Close and Longport.
Meanwhile in Herne Bay retailers were caught by the heavy downpour, with staff at Peters Produce in William Street battling the deluge.
Mark Williams, who works at the shop had to pull out the rubbish which had blocked the drains after the storms.
He said: "It had reached a level where it was just backing up out of the drain from the main road.
"I'm hoping for the moment I've cleared it down to the base of the drain, at least until such time as it rains again.
"Because of the water table it's been all over the town with people pulling drains up everywhere. These things do happen now and again and I have to go out and sort it, it's not the first time and probably won't be the last time!"
Highways England have warned drivers to be vigilant on the roads as the Met Office announced there is an amber warning in place for this afternoon.
Send us your pictures of the storm and floods to kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk
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Bess Browning