Police have urged people not to travel as flooding hits many parts of Kent.

Flooding has already been reported along several key routes, including Maidstone town centre.

Drivers have been urged to stay at home rather than try to navigate the county's roads.

WATCH: Weather warning as heavy rain hits Kent

Kent Police tweeted: "Don't travel unless absolutely necessary. Countless calls of roads flooded, some over a foot deep, around the county and cars stranded.

"We are doing what we can but please don't make it worse by trying to get through. Stay home, stay safe."

Conditions are said to be particularly bad on the A249, where drivers have reported a large amount of standing water between Sittingbourne and Maidstone.The Maidstone-bound stretch near Stockbury has also been reduced to one lane as drivers slow down to negotiate flood water.

Torrential rain started falling in the Medway area at around 6.40pm and continued for at least 35 minutes causing particular issues in Chatham.

Flooding closed the gym at Hoo Sports Centre and officials say they will need to assess the situation in the morning before deciding whether it can reopen.

The rest of building remains open as usual.

It comes after weather forecasters upgraded a for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Some areas of south east England could get as much rain this evening as they typically do during the whole month of June.

This is on top of heavy rain overnight, where 15mm fell in Sellindge, between Ashford and Folkestone, making it the worst place in the country.

The amber weather warning remains in place until 11pm.

A yellow weather warning is also in place for tomorrow and Thursday.

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