KENT Police are warning road users to drive carefully following warnings of heavy rain across the county from the Met Office.

About 40 millimetres of rain, possibly even more, was being predicted to fall in Kent between midnight on Thursday and Saturday lunchtime.

Kent Police Ch Supt John Molloy said:

”Although we can’t predict how much rain will actually fall, we want to advise road users to be cautious and not to travel in very wet conditions unless it is absolutely vital.

In the event of very heavy rain or flooding, we will work with partner organisations to ensure people are given advice and help where it’s needed.”

Members of the public are being advised to follow the safety tips below:

* Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.

* Motorists who have to drive in very wet conditions should give themselves extra time for their journey and should also reduce their speed to counteract poor visibility on the roads.

* Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels; these can cause serious injuries or even death.

* Remember that the during a storm the emergency services will be very busy, only call for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage

* Following a flood in your home, make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before switching back on.

* Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary.

* Look after neighbours. People have been known to suffer from hypothermia after their homes have become flooded with cold rainwater even in the summer time.

There are several steps that people can take to protect themselves or reduce the impact of flooding.

First, find out whether you are in a flood risk area by phoning Floodline on 08549 881188 or visiting the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Anyone who lives in a flood risk area can register with the Floodline Warnings Direct Service to receive flood warnings when flooding is likely.