DRIVERS were warned to watch out for minor flooding on country lanes across Kent today after the county recovered from a day of high winds and heavy rain.

Operation Stack, which closed part of the coastbound M20 for use as a lorry park, was still in place this morning.

Stocks Green primary schools at Hildenborough near Tonbridge was closed for cleaning after drains overflowed.

And a flood warning was in place in the Yalding area. River levels were expected to go on rising until mid-morning.

It was estimated that about three weeks of average January rainfall fell in just 24 hours.

The atrocious weather also took its toll on Canterbury Cathedral. Rain poured in through the roof and started seeping into the Nave.

Tarpaulins were laid down on the floors of the roof spaces to prevent leakage but buckets still had to be placed in different parts of the Nave to catch water that got through.

The 150-year-old lead roof is due for replacement as part of the £50million Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal.

~ See the Highways Agency's website for the latest M20 traffic information >>>

Elsewhere, the weather meant the Sheppey Crossing was closed at 10.30am and there were no sailings from Thamesport.

Trains at Westgate, near Margate, were temporarily stopped while a fallen tree was removed from the line.

Minor flooding

Flooding caused problems in the Tonbridge area where one vehicle got into difficulty in deeper water. There was minor flooding across the county.

~ See the Environment Agency's website for the latest flooding information >>>

Other spots particularly affected included Canterbury city centre with 50mph winds knocking over cafe tables, chairs and ripping umbrellas to shreds.

The atrocious weather also took its toll on Canterbury Cathedral as rain poured in through the roof and started seeping into the Nave.

Tarpaulins were laid down on the floors of the roof spaces to prevent leakage but buckets still had to be placed in different parts of the Nave to catch water that got through.

The 150-year-old lead roof is due for replacement as part of the £50million Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal.

Trees down

Emergency services were called to deal with trees down in Stone Street, near Petham, and Nackington Road, Canterbury.

Another one snapped in half near a blind bend in Broad Oak Road and an electricity pole came down at Church Lane in Chislet.

*** Email editor.kentonline@thekmgroup.co.uk with your dramatic weather pictures. ***

Meanwhile, Kent Police are advising people to be prepared for the bad weather conditions forecast for the next few days.

Reports suggest there could be continued heavy rain and strong winds in areas of southern England.

The advice from Kent Police is:

* Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel.

* Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists, so be vigilant and make sure you can be seen however you are travelling - this includes using lights or wearing high visibility clothing;

* In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards

* When the roads are wet it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle, so slow down

* Carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle, in case weather conditions mean you have to stop

* Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you set off.

For further information:

~ Highways Agency website >>>

~ The Met Office website >>>

~ Environment Agency website >>>