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Fallen tree in Faversham and overturned lorry in Dover block roads as Kent battles strong winds

By: Liane Castle lcastle@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:57, 13 March 2023

Updated: 15:02, 13 March 2023

Fallen trees have blocked roads and railway lines and a lorry has overturned as high winds batter Kent.

A yellow weather warning is in place as gusts of up to 65mph hit the county - with some train services brought to a halt.

A fallen tree is causing delays for drivers in Wildish Road, Faversham. Picture: Emma Parker

The tree fell onto Wildish Road in Faversham, which had a knock-on effect on bus services in the area.

The road has now reopened.

In Westcliffe, just outside Dover, the A258 has been closed in both directions since 12pm due to overturned lorry which shed its load between Pond Lane and Dover Road.

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It is impacting bus services, with Stagecoach saying "all 81/12 services are being diverted."

Police say officers are currently at the scene responding to the incident.

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Meanwhile, Southeastern says due to a tree blocking the railway at Chilham, services between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West are disrupted.

Network Rail response staff are on their way to the scene.

A tree on the Hastings line in the Tunbridge Wells area also caused disruption earlier. It has now been cleared but there are still delays.

On the ferries, there are delays of 30 minutes on DFDS services between Dover and Calais.

There were also reports of fallen power cables in Thanington, Canterbury, on the A28 Ashford Road near Tonford Lane / St Nicholas Church.

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This has been cleared but Kent Highways says there are reports of power cuts in and around Canterbury city centre, which is affecting power supplies to traffic signals.

Strong winds also closed two lanes of the M25s QE2 Bridge from Junction 31 A1306 to J1A A206 in Dartford.

Congestion was backed up to Junction 30 for Lakeside but all lanes have since reopened.

The Met Office has said high-sided vehicles should take care exposed routes and bridges while there may be delays on the roads, railways, while planes, ferries and buses may also be affected.

It has also warned there could be short term loss of power and other services and damage to trees.

The warning covers the entire county and has also been issued in areas across the East and West Midlands, East of England, London, South East England, South West England and Wales.

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