Kent weather: Thunder, lightning, rain and hail hits Maidstone, West Malling, Sevenoaks and more
Published: 15:27, 13 August 2020
Updated: 16:19, 13 August 2020
Thunder, lightning and torrential rain is hitting Kent as storms sweep the county.
A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place as the long-awaited rainfall follows on from scorching temperatures.
Torrential rain and thunder hits West Malling
There are reports of loud thunderclaps, heavy rain and even hail across much of West Kent, including West Malling.
Some Malling residents also experienced a brief power cut due to the weather, while rail services are at a standstill between Otford and Ashford due to a blockage on the line near West Malling station.
Motorists were caught on flooded roads between Sevenoaks and Seal.
One eyewitness said: "We got caught up in it around Godstone, and it followed us all the way back home!
"Roads were practiaclly rivers, there were bits of tarmac coming loose at one point, it was absolute chaos."
There have been reports of lightning strikes in Maidstone, with some strikes further east towards Sittingbourne.
Loud thunder has been heard in Rochester and on the coast.
The storm appears to be sweeping by most of East Kent, with residents in Ashford, Dover and Faversham reporting clear and sunny skies.
The yellow storm alert remains in place for England until Monday.
A yellow alert is when there is a small chance of homes and businesses being flooded after sudden downpours.
Rain and flooded roads between Sevenoaks and Seal
There is also a chance of lightning strikes and large hail which could lead to damage and delays and cancellations to public transport.
More on this as we get it.
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Alex Jee