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Live updates as Storm Dennis rages through Kent

By: Denise Eaton

Published: 06:00, 16 February 2020

Updated: 15:30, 16 November 2022

Storm Dennis resulted in at least one fatality, left hundreds of households without power and caused widespread disruption to roads and rail travel across Kent - and it shows no sign of abating just yet.

The body of a so-far unnamed man was recovered off the Kent coast Saturday afternoon. He had earlier been reported missing from a petrol tanker near Margate hours earlier, sparking a major air-sea rescue mission.

Emergency services at the scene in Herne Bay. Picture: UKNIP

A second casualty pulled from the sea 12 miles away in Herne Bay was not related to Storm Dennis, police stated.

Emergency services had been alerted after the 18-year-old failed to return home after a night out Friday.

Flood warnings remain in place on at least eight rivers, with homeowners in several areas on high alert with levels expected to peak this afternoon.

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A roof collapsed onto a shopping parade in Herne Bay last night, though it's believed no-one was injured. Several cars were damaged as bricks and debris came crashing down onto Canterbury Road which is home to Tesco Express.

UK Power Networks worked throughout the night to restore electricity to hundreds of homes, though some residents in Chartham were warned a road may need to be dug up to reach an underground fault.

Emergency services on the scene following the roof collapse in Herne Bay

Overhead line faults were responsible for most other power cuts in areas such as Snodland, Maidstone and some parts of Canterbury.

UK Power Networks advises customers to call 105 if they experience a power cut or see an electricity cable down - though to stay well clear of any damaged line.

Rail diversions and bus replacement services were in place on several routes after Southeastern reported fallen trees in Chilham and Borough Green.

Services affected were Canterbury West and Ashford International, Ramsgate and Ashford, and Maidstone East.

The QEII Bridge was closed with Highways England operating a contraflow system using the two tunnels.

The Dartford Crossing was closed Picture: UrbeXUntold

Southbound traffic heading into Kent was diverted via the east tunnel and Essex-bound traffic sent through the west bore.

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Weather pundits anticipate the wet and windy conditions to worsen throughout the day, with gusts of up to 70mph predicted to continue lashing the county.

The Met Office, which had earlier issued a danger to life amber warning, also warns some areas may see up to a month's rainfall in 24 hours.

Gales are expected to be severe along the coast with periods of persistent and heavy rain.

Many sporting and leisure events had been cancelled in advance.

It comes a week after Storm Ciara made its mighty presence known.

For all the forecasts, warnings and weather related news, click here.

Listen to kmfm for regular travel updates.

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