Snow hits Kent as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for ice
Published: 11:10, 08 January 2024
Updated: 16:21, 08 January 2024
Kent has seen its first snowfall of the year – as a Met Office warning for ice has been issued.
Snow has already fallen in the centre of Ashford, Canterbury, Chatham and Faversham.
It comes as a second yellow weather warning for ice has been issued in as many days amid warnings for people to check on the most vulnerable.
The Met Office this morning sounded the alarm over expected adverse weather conditions sweeping the county from 3pm today until 3am tomorrow.
A yellow cold health alert is also in place as temperatures dip and conditions become icy.
A Met Office spokesman said “ice and small amounts of snow could lead to slippery surfaces” and “perhaps some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.”
They stressed a potential risk of “some injuries from slips and falls on icy or snowy surfaces”.
Residents are also being urged to take caution on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths due to ice, while motorists have been advised to take care on journeys, where disruption could increase travel time.
Delays on some rail and bus routes are also expected.
In Rochester, a sudden snow flurry has led to a car hitting a lamppost on a treacherous stretch of road while other vehicles became "stuck". The vehicle hit the post in Shorts Way, Borstal this afternoon.
In response to the snowfall, Medway Adult Education centres will be closing at 3pm with all classes scheduled for this evening taking place online where possible.
A warning for ice was first issued yesterday but it did not cover the whole of Kent.
Ahead of the continued cold weather, Kent Highways gritted primary routes at 3am today.
Today, temperatures are expected to reach highs of 2 degrees and lows of -1 degrees.
Snowfall was forecast by the Met Office for most of the county today, which is expected to continue until about 6pm in some parts.
Some of the heaviest snow showers are expected in Sevenoaks and surrounding areas.
Weather bosses say wintery showers should move away from the county tonight, leaving a dry and cold night.
Listen to kmfm for travel updates.
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Chantal Weller