More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Heavy wind and rain have caused damage and fallen trees across Kent after Storm Bella swooped in, but now a new weather alert could come into play tomorrow.
A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued by the Met Office for parts of the county.
It runs from just after midnight on Monday until 6pm and we may see snow and ice causing problems on the roads and railways.
Anyone out and about today is facing issues after power cables and trees fell and some roads have been left submerged.
Earlier today high winds prompted the closure of the QE2 bridge and the M25, with cars from Essex using one of the Dartford tunnels instead.
Ferries struggled to berth at Dover early this morning, with companies warning residual delays would remain once winds calmed down after 9am today.
In the Maidstone area the A20 between Maidstone and Lenham is affected by surface water near Harrietsham, while roads in and around Hunton are under water.
Damage included a fence being blown onto a car at homes in Hartnup Street, Maidstone and in Grove Green a wall collapsed.
Smallhythe Road in Tenterden was blocked by a fallen tree.
In Ashford a subway leading to the Kimberley Way Asda is once again flooded, after levels rose at the River Stour. Last year, residents complained it was left impassable every year in winter and that diversions resulted in a walk of nearly a mile around a diversion.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said its crews went to several flood-related incidents in Faversham, Tonbridge, Canterbury and Ashford.
They included flooded properties, where pumps have been needed to clear water.
Crews were called to reports of an unstable chimney stack in Herne Bay High Street today.
Two fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the scene, as well as a team from the Technical Rescue Unit. Crews say they removed unstable parts of the chimney, including loose roof tiles and made the area safe.
Just before 11am, two fire engines were sent to Stanhope Road, Ashford, where a car had become stranded in flood water. Crews used water rescue poles and lifejackets to safely rescue one person from the vehicle.
A fire service spokesman added: "We're reminding residents never drive through flood water – it can often look deeper than it looks.
"If your property is flooding and you need rescuing, or there is a risk to life, call 999 and ask for fire."
Flood alerts remain in force for many areas of the county, including the lower River Stour between Canterbury and Ashford and the River Medway between Yalding and Maidstone.
A police spokesman added: "We are reminding motorists to take extra care on Kent's roads as heavy winds and rain are forecast throughout the county. If you must drive make sure you are as prepared as possible and leave extra time for your journey."
Met office researchers say the top wind speed was recorded at the Needles on the Isle of Wight where it reached 106mph overnight on Saturday.
Further into the week and towards the New Year conditions will remain cold with sunshine and the possibility of wintry showers, the Met Office said.
